(This is a repost blog to encourage each person with a mental health condition to register to vote and VOTE in the upcoming Presidential elections) Family and Friends, help them get to the polls, please.
This is what I was asked this morning after church service. I immediately wanted to kick myself for not blogging about this earlier, but there is never a bad opportunity to share good information.
In an article written by Will Meedk, Ph.D., June 6, 2007, on this topic, it is explained that anyone with a specific desire to participate in the voting process should be allowed to. I agree one hundred percent. There are some special circumstances, however, that states vary on.
For example, if you are deemed to be "criminally insane" and are serving time in a prison-type facility, you can vote by absentee ballot in most states. On the contrary, if you are serving time in prison for felony charges, you cannot vote by absenteeism.
If you have a guardian for mental incompetencies, you cannot vote in most states as well. A good rule of thumb is that if you can register for the Selective Service (military), you can register for a Voter's card AND VOTE.
According to the American Psychiatric Foundation, every individual has the civil rights protection to cast a vote at age of emancipation (18). The APF goes on to raise a good point that voting by individuals with a mental illness is a method of empowering that individual and it should be encouraged nationally.
I have also read many blogs from individuals suffering or living with a mental illness and the majority are absolutely in favor of exercising his or her right to vote. I agree with one blogger that persons in long-term facilities such as nursing homes for dementia-type illness, have more knowledge about healthcare policy and other issues than the average person because they spend most of their time reading the newspaper and watching the news. WOW!
So, let's trek on over to Washington, DC and unscramble one of my favorite Latin terms, "Non Compos Mentis." In English, that means, "Not master of one's own mind."
If an individual can function with a mental illness, they are deemed masters of their minds the same way the diabetic or cancer patient is Master of his/her own mind under treatment.
A person with a mental illness can ask for special accommodations if necessary. The voting machines should be equipped with audio features for the hearing impaired. Any voter can have a famiy mmber or friend assist them with castin their vote. Election judges can also assist the disabled person with csting a vote.
HOWEVER, campaign supporters, (those who pass out pamphlets, bumper stickers, etc. for their candidate, etc.) should NOT be assisting persons to vote.
PRIVACY: YOUR VOTE IS PRIVATE! You do not have to reveal to ANYONE who you voted for.
EARLY ELECTION OPPORTUNTIES: Many voting polls will offer the opportunity to cast your vote early for the presidential (general) election. Check with your Board of elections.
MARYLAND: In Maryland voting poll sites will be open beginning October 27, 2012 thru November 1, 2012. Sites will open at 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., EST. Call (800) 222-8683 for a location near you.
Did you know that employers in Maryland can give you 2 hours paid time off to cast a vote? Yes, but it is the employer's discretion what is the appropriate time to allow you off and you must request the 2 hours at least 2 days in advance. Check with your state voting laws to ensure you are able to vote without losing your job!
Of course, every polling place should be accessible to the pally (wheelchair users). If you or a family member will need special accommodations, DO NOT HESITATE to contact your Board of Elections and make the appropriatearrangments.
If you or your family member will eed special public transportation to the voting polls, PLEASE arrange it TODAY (i.e. Mobiliy paratransit vans wheelchair vans, etc.);
ABSENTEE BALLOTS: TOD s the day to get started if you will need to cast your absentee ballot. ANY registered voter can cast an absentee vote. In Maryland, visit
www.elections.state.md.us/voting/documents/2012_Absentee_Ballot_Application_English.pdfor call (800) 222-8683.
In South Carolina visit:
www.scvotes.org and in Charleston, SC visit:
www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/bevr/index.htm CAST YOUR VOTE EARLY in Charleston, South Carolina as well:
In person voting will take place at 3691 Leeds Ave (Old SCE&G Building on the corner of Leeds Ave. and Azalea Dr.). Enter off Leeds Ave.
In person voting will begin on Monday, October 8th and end on Monday, November 5th. Hours of operation will be Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
In person voting will also be available on Saturday, October 20th and Saturday, October 27th. Hours of operation for those Saturdays will be 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Voters will need to bring one of the following ID’s to vote, Voter Registration Card, South Carolina Driver’s License, or the South Carolina DMV issued ID.
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So, if an individual has successfully completed the Voter's Registration Form and has received his or her Voter's card, get them to the polls in time to cast their vote!
Of course, it is understood that all individuals should be allowed to vote without cohercement, etc. Now, what should the average person do inside the voting booth with all that darn language on the ballot that over half of us do not understand? :)-
Did you know that many, (too) many states STILL use the language "Idiots" and "Insane" to describe a person with a mental illness? (uh-hmm)
Did you know that most persons with an untreated mental illness do NOT vote? Let's help family members with untreated mental illnesses to obtain mental illness treatment and watch them become empowering voting machines for many years to come. After all, we want t right candidate who understands the specific issues we face as this country moves FORWARD.
PS. Support Vice President debate tonight at 8 p.m., EST!
Passing the brotherly love, compassion, and wisdoms,
Posted By: agnes levine
Monday, February 27th 2012 at 5:05PM
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