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.
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 under treatment.
The American Disabilities ACT has not included the mentally ill under their protective umbrella, per se, yet, but a person with a mental illness can ask for special accommodations if necessary.
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 memers obtain mental illness treatment and watch them become empowering voting machines for many years to come. After all, we want Obama in that White House for 8 years!!!;)-
Agnes B. Levine
Author of: "Cooling Well Water: A Collection of Work By An African-American Bipolar Woman" ISBN 0975461206 Winter 2008 Release Pending
www.myspace.com/coolingwellwater (Subscribe Now)
Founder/President: Levine-Oliver Publisher, the Exclusive publishing home of Swaggie Coleman. Visit Swaggie's Voice© at:
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Posted By: agnes levine
Sunday, November 2nd 2008 at 3:02PM
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