Voting is Advocacy

Posted on by Hannah Kehrer
Image of 3 young women of different ethnicies hugging each other. The two girls on the end are wearing blue tops and carrying brown purses. There are people walking around in the background

You may not realize it, but voting is a form of advocacy. When we vote, we help elect officials who make policy decisions on our behalf. From healthcare to human rights, it’s crucial we, the disability community of Tennessee, show up to the polls.

Many of the same candidates we elect are the same legislators we meet with during the year to make sure our voice is heard, our concerns are acknowledged, and our community has a seat at the table. From the smallest local elections to state officials, and all the way up to the US Presidency — your vote matters!

If we want to create meaningful change, it starts by voting the right candidates into positions of power. If we don’t vote, we are leaving our future, and ultimately our lives, up to others. While the candidate you vote for might not win their election, casting your ballot is a powerful way to advocate for yourself and your community.

Voting is not only our right, it’s our responsibility.

But we get it. Voting can seem overwhelming and intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. The best way to prepare yourself to vote is to create a plan.

Image of a polling station with a female with blonde hair sitting in a wheelchair in front of a sign that has the American flag and text that says "VOTE."

Here are a few things you should know before heading to the polls:

  1. Make sure you are registered to vote!

 This is the first step in making sure your voice is heard. You can register to vote and check your voter registration status at this link. It’s important to check your voter registration status, because even if you have voted in the past, it may no longer be valid. For example, if you’ve moved to a new address, you need to update your registration or re-register in the county you moved to.

  1. If you are voting in-person, make sure you know where to go.

 When voting in-person, you have two options: you can either vote on election day or during the “early voting” period before the election. Early voting allows you to vote at a time and location that works for you and may even make voting faster than voting at your designated polling place on election day. To find your polling place for early voting and on election day, visit this link.

  1. If you are eligible, you can vote absentee-by-mail.

 We understand that not everyone is able to physically go to the polls, but that doesn’t mean your vote matters any less. If you are eligible to vote absentee-by-mail, you must request an application for an absentee-by-mail ballot. The first day to submit requests for the November 5th election is August 7th and applications must be RECEIVED BY the election commission (not mailed by) no later than October 29th. To learn more about absentee-by-mail voting, follow this link.

  1. Before you cast your ballot, it’s important to know who you are voting for.

Researching the candidates your voting for is a vital part of the voting process. Voting is a form of advocacy, so in order for it to be successful, we need to be informed. You can find sample ballots that show you exactly who will be on your ballot at this link. And don’t worry, you don’t have to memorize the ballot, you can take notes beforehand and bring them with you when it’s time to cast your vote. 

  1. It’s important to know your rights!

As a voter with a disability, you have rights.
For example:

  • You do not have to prove your IQ or your ability to read and write to vote. Only a court can take away your voting rights.
  • You may vote even if you have a conservator unless a court has explicitly said that you cannot vote.
  • If you need help to vote, you do not have to explain why.
  • You can have someone you choose or a poll worker help you vote if you ask.
  • You may ask for an accessible voting machine if you need one. Every polling place is required to have one.
  • You may ask for a reasonable accommodation on election day. A reasonable accommodation could be something like skipping the line.

If you experience issues while voting, call Disability Rights Tennessee at 1-800-342-1600 for assistance.

To download a version of this list to take with you to the polls, follow this link.

And remember, our advocacy starts at the polls. Vote like our lives depend on it…because for many of us, it does.

For additional information on voting in Tennessee, visit GoVoteTN.org

For disability policy and voting updates in Tennessee, text TEAMWORK to 72690*
*SMS outreach includes links to disability policy efforts, reminders, and updates in TN. Msg & Data rates may apply. Avg. 1-4/msg per week. Reply STOP to stop. Reply HELP for help.

 

Hannah Kehrer

Hannah joined the Tennessee Disability Coalition in 2021. In her role, she supports the communications team with outreach, engagement, and storytelling. She manages TDC’s social media, video production, and all digital content. Previously, Hannah has worked with advocates at the state and federal levels to fight for causes like Medicaid expansion and keeping youth from being criminally tried as adults. Hannah is originally from Texas and will be sure to let everyone know! She graduated from Belmont University.