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Do You Vote!?
By: Clifton Perez, M.S.W. On September 12, 2006 I voted - on my own - for the first time in my life! Voting, the most powerful tool in a democracy is, at best, taken for granted and at worst, is viewed as ineffectual. It is due to this misguided perception, that too many of our citizens forgo their most powerful catalyst for change, in this great Democratic Republic of ours. As a person who has been severely visually impaired from birth, I have not - until now, due to the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) - had the pleasure or privilege of voting privately and independently. Prior to this primary, I would have to bring someone I could trust to come with me into the voting booth so they could read the necessary information in order for me to exercise my obligation as a concerned citizen. Fortunately for me, I have been blest with a wonderful, caring and absolutely understanding person - my wife - who has been there for me for the past twenty-six years. Although she has reliably assisted me every time I have had to vote, it is difficult for me to truly express to you the joy of finally voting on my own. As an advocate for and with persons with disabilities for the past twenty years, I have been involved in a variety of measures designed to enhance the lives of Americans with disabilities. As such, I have been involved with HAVA implementation in New York from the very beginning. Unfortunately, the process of HAVA implementation in our state has not paved the way for an effective transition toward maximizing the ability of all citizens to participate in the voting process. As a result of HAVA, we finally have the opportunity to ensure that all citizens, including citizens with disabilities, illiteracy and citizens speaking other languages, can fully take advantage of a process that has been denied to such individuals for over 200 years. Due to a variety of unexplainable reasons, the State of New York failed to take advantage of the opportunity provided by the passage of HAVA. As a result of this failure - beginning with our Legislature and then the NYS Board of Elections - the counties were burdened with the responsibility of purchasing accessible voting systems with very little guidance and assistance by the NYS Board of Elections. However most of our counties still managed to carry out their obligations of purchasing and implementing procedures, which provided an opportunity for many citizens - including those of us with disabilities - to vote for the first time in our lives, privately and independently. Columbia County performed a proactive measure regarding the usage of their newly purchased Electronic Voting System, by conducting a demonstration and test run prior to the Primary on September 12, 2006. Members of the community were invited to try out the new system and provide feedback to the local Board of Election Officials. However, the same could not be said for Rensselaer, Albany and Schenectady counties. In Rensselaer, my County of residence, very little information was provided to the community from the Board of Election as to what they were going to do to implement HAVA. Fortunately, a dialogue was established with them after I voted. Although the voting system chosen by Rensselaer County was not the best choice, I am hoping that after establishing a dialogue with them we will work together to ensure a better choice for the future. Albany County indicated that they publicized in the paper and on television however, we were unable to find anyone who could verify this fact. Columbia and Rensselaer counties provided wheelchair accessible transportation to the polling site with the accessible voting machine but, much more needs to be done to publicize this service for the up coming general election. The most important point in all of this is to maximize voter participation within the voting process. Voting - in its pure nature - is the most equalizing force or catalyst for change. Regardless of whom you are or your status in society, your individual vote is no more or less powerful than anyone else's. When combined within a group/coalition the dimensions of the singular vote take on a whole new perspective that will not be denied! If you ever needed to know if voting makes a difference all you have to do is look at what happened in Florida with the Presidential election. If the vote did not matter, the situation in Florida would not have been such a big deal - but it was. The other factor, which contributes to the power of the vote, is the amount of money spent by those wishing to obtain political office. Would you spend money on something that does not matter? So I ask you once again, do you vote? I know I do. By: Clifton Perez, M.S.W. Systems Advocate Copyright © 2006 by ILCHV PLEASE NOTE: PORTIONS OF THIS WEB SITE ARE UNDER CONSTRUCTION! |
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Copyright © 2006 by ILCHV |
