Voting: Get to Know Your Congressional Candidates

While the country is closely watching the presidential election, it is equally important to pay attention to the other big election – the congressional election. This year, a total of 469 seats in the US Congress – 34 Senate seats and all 435 House seats – are up for election on November 8, 2016. In Georgia, voters will elect 14 candidates to serve in the US House, one from each of the state’s 14 congressional districts. One seat is also up for election for the US Senate.

This election season is an educational opportunity for voters with and without disabilities to become knowledgeable on local, state and federal issues that are important on a personal level.

Educated Voting
The Elections Division of the Secretary of State’s Office organizes and oversees all election activity including voter registration for municipal, state, county and federal elections. Through the website, voters can find out information on the local candidates who will be up for election (http://sos.ga.gov/index.php/elections).
Sites such as VoteSmart (www.votesmart.org) provide detailed information on candidates and their issues that affect local communities.

Accessibility
If a voter with a disability is unable to sign his or her name; to see or mark the answers on the ballot; use the voting equipment; or cannot enter the voting booth without support, they may bring someone to help them.
A voter with a disability can receive assistance from any individual EXCEPT his or her employer, representative of his or her employer, a representative of his or her union, or a poll worker or poll watcher who votes in the same precinct where the voter needing assistance is designated to vote. Voters with disabilities can also receive assistance from a trusted person such as a family member or friend. Each individual assisting the voter with a disability must record his or her name on the elector’s voter certificate.

Additionally, poll workers are provided training regarding the use of voting equipment, procedures and all aspects of state and federal laws applicable to conducting elections.
For voters with disabilities who do not require support from another individual to vote, but require accommodations in the form of assistive technology, there are wheelchair accessible machines with touch screens or audio voting equipment options provided at the polls that allow more privacy and independence. These options include:
1. An audio ballot for those with visual impairment or who are blind, using headphones and a number keypad similar to an automated phone service.
2. A magnifying feature is available on every touch screen voting unit in Georgia that allows you to enlarge the print on the ballot.
3. Touch screen voting units that allow a voter to vote while sitting in a chair or wheelchair.

Why Are Congressional Races Important?
The House of Representatives (House) and the Senate – the legislative branch – are responsible for making laws that govern the country. Thus, the election of congressmen and women is equally important to the political process.

The Senate has 100 members and is the upper house of the United States Congress. Regardless of the size of its population, each state is represented by two senators who serve six-year terms and both senators from the same state are never up for re-election at the same time.

The House has 435 voting members and five delegates, each serving a two-year term. States are divided into congressional districts, and based on population, each congressional district is represented by one member.

Impact of these races determine what issues the elected officials will support and vote on in bills and amendments that affect a local community, state or the country as a whole. These laws can affect the way the government and local organizations provide services and supports to the community – including those for people with disabilities.

Register to Vote: https://registertovote.sos.ga.gov/GAOLVR/welcome.do#no-back-button

If you registered to vote, tag us on Facebook or tweet to us with “I registered! #VoteDisability!”
Facebook: www.facebook.com/georgiaddcouncil
Twitter: www.twitter.com/georgiacouncil

Election Deadlines to Know:
General Primary Runoff, Nonpartisan General Runoff Election and Special Runoff
Election Date: July 26, 2016

General Election
Election Date: November 8, 2016
Voter Registration Deadline: October 11, 2016

General Election Runoff for Local and State Offices
Election Date: December 6, 2016
Voter Registration Deadline: October 11, 2016

General Election Runoff for Federal Offices
Election Date: January 10, 2017

Important Links from the Office of the Secretary of State:
• Voters with Disabilities: http://sos.ga.gov/index.php/elections/voters_with_disabilities
• My Voter Page: https://www.mvp.sos.ga.gov/MVP/mvp.do
• 2016 Elections and Voter Registration Calendar: http://sos.ga.gov/index.php/elections/2016_election_dates
• Register to Vote: https://registertovote.sos.ga.gov/GAOLVR/welcome.do#no-back-button
• Georgia Voter ID Requirements: http://sos.ga.gov/index.php/elections/georgia_voter_identification_requirements2
• County Board of Registrars: http://elections.sos.ga.gov/Elections/countyregistrars.do