What does voting mean to you, our senior citizens?
As senior voters, we should value voting a great deal because it is a fundamental right and the cornerstone of our democracy.
Voting gives US citizens a voice in who represents us and how our country is governed.
We at Kabb Law realize that exercising this right can present unique challenges because of issues involving mobility, transportation, and health concerns. Therefore, it is crucial not to allow these obstacles to prevent our senior voters from voting.
We have written this blog to discuss with you, our senior community, some ways to ensure accessibility and assistance, including absentee and mail-in voting options.
The Importance Of Senior Voters
You, our seniors, make up a significant portion of the voting population.
You bring decades of life experiences and a great understanding of societal shifts.
Participation in all elections is vital and can often represent your interests, such as Medicare, Social Security, and elder care policies.
However, we know that participating in the voting process can seem overwhelming for some, especially those with physical limitations and/or health concerns.
How To Overcome Any Voting Barriers
First, please know that you are not alone, and your plight hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Barriers such as getting to the polling places, standing to wait in long lines, and the physical act of voting in person are not unknown. Some solutions include absentee voting, mail-in ballots, and early voting options, and these solutions are gaining in importance.
Absentee And Mail-In Voting
Absentee and mail-in voting ensures that all seniors can vote regardless of whether they can travel to a polling place. With these methods, the seniors receive their ballots by mail, can leisurely complete them in the privacy of their own homes, and then return them by mail or at one of the designated drop-off locations.
Requesting an absentee or mail-in ballot: You must check with your local election office for these specific instructions.
You will probably need to complete an application to receive your ballot in the mail.
Deadlines: You must be diligent about the deadlines for requesting and returning mail-in ballots. These deadlines can be found on election official websites.
Safety and security: Voters often express concern about the safety and security of mail-in ballots. Several methods are used to ensure safety, such as ballot tracking systems and secure drop-off locations.
You must follow all the instructions to ensure your voter is counted.
Early Voting:
Voting early is another option to alleviate any voting challenges on Election Day.
This can potentially reduce any wait times and can also make transportation easier.
Locations and Times:
Check Ohio’s or your local election website. Often, they offer multiple early voting sites.
Preparation:
Make sure that you have all the necessary identification and that you fully understand your ballot choices. Check with senior citizen organizations, as many offer transportation to early voting locations.
Advocacy and Assistance:
There are also organizations dedicated to assisting seniors with the voting process by offering resources on how to register to vote, how to request mail-in ballots, and how to fully understand their voting rights.
Also, family members and caregivers can be crucial in facilitating your voting process, from helping you with your ballot requests to arranging transportation to the polling sites or even assisting you in understanding the ballot.
Senior Voters Play a Vital Role in Our Democracy
As you know, the right to vote is precious, and all citizens, including seniors, should exercise it freely and easily.
Senior voters can play a vital role in our democracy by leveraging absentee and mail-in voting, taking care of early voting opportunities, and seeking all the assistance you need.
By upholding the principles of democratic participation, we are also respecting your contributions and wisdom to our elderly population.
Please call Rachel at Kabb Law at 216-991-5222 with any questions about the importance of senior voters voting.
