Access for voters with disabilities

Staff Report

According to an Aug. 10 article in USA Today, “as many as 3.2 million Americans with disabilities are ‘sidelined’ on Election Day despite 20 years of laws seeking to boost their access to the polls, a new study shows,” which is because of a lack of motivation in those who wish not to vote and adequate accommodations for those who wish to vote, and voting absentee to some may force some people “to cast votes before their mind has been made up.”

RAMP believes voting is a right and a responsibility. Vote on or before Election Day! To vote in the Nov. 6 General Election, you must be registered to vote at your current address by Oct. 9.

The following offices will appear on the Nov. 6 ballot. President, Vice President, Representatives in Congress, State Senator, Representatives in the General Assembly, Circuit Clerk, Recorders, State’s Attorney, Auditors, Coroners, County Board Members, Judges: Appellate Court and Circuit Court (3rd Sub-circuit) and Judicial Retention.

Options for Voting

Early voting for all registered voters at the County Clerk’s Office/Board of Elections is from Oct. 22 through Nov. 3. You do not need a reason to vote early, and it is open to all registered voters; however, you must show a government-issued ID to vote early.

Absentee voting is for all registered voters, except those who vote for the first time this year BY MAIL. Obtain an application for absentee voting from the County Clerk’s Office or the City Board of Elections. (City of Rockford residents may vote in person at the Board Office through Nov. 5 — call their office for hours). The application must be received in the County Clerk’s Office or Board of Elections Office by Nov. 1, and ballot must be returned to the respective office by Nov. 6.

Election Day voting at your polling place is for all registered voters. Contact County Clerk’s Office or Board of Elections Office for location of polling place for your precinct. Voting is Nov. 6 from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

From the Oct. 24-30, 2012, issue