Op-ed: Democracy works best when everyone is involved
By Gabrielle Guedon and Esther Harlow
Did you get your ballot? No, not last November: now. Counties across Oregon are holding elections on Tuesday, May 16. Many people are paying attention to national politics, but local politics can also have a big impact on the lives of Oregonians.
Local candidates and measures in this election can affect public education, accessible schools, emergency services, criminal justice, transportation, housing costs and government oversight.
Some bond measures will raise taxes and improve schools. Other taxes and levies will pay for firefighters, jails or veterans’ services. Voters will choose directors and commissioners for schools, water and ports. For example, Portland voters will vote on a bond measure for Portland Public Schools. If it passes, schools will improve ADA accessibility, fix problems with lead in drinking water, upgrade fire alarms, strengthen schools against earthquakes and improve classrooms and technology. It will also raise taxes on property, which might make housing costs higher.
People with disabilities can be affected by changes in these local programs. They provide vital services. Yet adults with disabilities vote less often than other people. This is especially true for people with intellectual or self-care disabilities.
We think it’s important for people with disabilities to have a say in the political process. The slogan of the disability rights movement is “Nothing About Us Without Us.”
We want all registered Oregonians to get a ballot and vote. If you haven’t received a ballot by now, contact your local elections office.
If you need help to read, fill out, sign or return your ballot because of a disability, call 866-ORE-VOTE (866-673-8683) to be connected to your county clerk. You can get assistance at your local elections office or elections staff can come to you if necessary. You can also get a large print or electronic format ballot.
Make sure to mail your ballot by Thursday, May 11, or turn it in at an official ballot box by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 16. You can find a list and map of ballot boxes at oregonvotes.gov.
If you know other people with disabilities, ask them to register to vote. National Disability Voter Registration Week is July 17-21. You can get regular and large print registration forms from your county clerk.
Democracy works best when everyone is involved. No matter where you stand on political issues, take the time to stay involved this year.
Esther Harlow is a voting rights advocate with Disability Rights Oregon. She can be reached at 888-339-VOTE (888-339-8683) or eharlow@droregon.org. Gabrielle Guedon is executive director of Oregon Self Advocacy Coalition. She can be reached at 971-258-7697 or gabrielle.guedon@askosac.org.