North Country Center for Independence
We at NCCI urge everyone eligible to register to vote and vote in all elections. We also work to raise issues that are important to people with disabilities, and make elected officials at all levels aware of them. However, we do not endorse or oppose any candidates or political parties. We hope you will use the information presented here to get involved in voting and politics no matter what your political views may be.
Step One: Register to Vote
If you need to register to vote, there are three easy ways you can do it:
1. Visit us at NCCI and we'll help you register to vote.
2. Visit your Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Social Services, or most other government offices, and they will help you register to vote.
3. Download the New York State Voter Registration Form:
NEW! English version
NEW! Spanish version
[Get free Adobe Acrobat Reader to see these documents]
Print out the form, complete it, and send it in to your local Board of Elections:
Clinton County
Clinton Co. Board of Elections
Co. Government Center. Ste 104
137 Margaret Street
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
Phone: 518-565-4740
Fax: 518-565-4508
Essex County
Essex Co. Board of Elections
7551 Court Street
P. O. Box 217
Elizabethtown, NY 12932
Phone: 518-873-3474
Fax: 518-873-3479
Franklin County
Franklin Co. Board of Elections
355 West Main St.
Malone, NY 12953-1821
Phone: 518-481-1663
Fax: 518-481-6018
Step Two: Take the Voter Pledge
If you just sent in a registration, or if you were already registered, and you are committed to voting from now on, let us know by taking the Voter Pledge.
Why do we ask you to complete a Voter Pledge? For one thing, registering to vote is only the first step; the whole point is to vote ... in every election! Secondly, when we can tell elected officials how many new voters with disabilities are not only registered, but committed to voting on election day, they will see our growing political power, and pay more serious attention to our issues.
There's a reason why so-called "special interest groups" have so much political influence. It's not only because they contribute money. It's because they vote, and politicians know it.
Step Three: Learn About the Issues and Candidates
If you are interested in issues that affect people with disabilities, ask candidates about:
Medicaid and Medicare
Section 8 housing vouchers
The Olmstead Decision
Accessible public transportation
Social Security Work Incentives
Long Term Care / Community-based services
The Americans with Disabilities Act
Assistive technology development
Polling place / voting accessibility
Special Education
Of course, you can also follow election campaigns for all national, state, and local offices by reading your local newspaper, watching or listening to the news on TV and radio, and tuning in to debates. Finally, if you have an opportunity to meet candidates and ask questions at local events, do it! Even one person with a disability at a campaign appearance can have an enormous influence on a candidate's understanding of disability issues.
Step Four: Vote
Contact your Board of Elections to find out where your polling place is if you're not sure. Also, ask about when the polls will open and close.
IMPORTANT NOTE: All polling places should be accessible to people with disabilities. If it is not, then your local election officials must do all they can to accommodate you. You can vote by absentee ballot if you wish, but that is not an adequate substitute for voting in person at an accessible polling place! Check the accessibility of your polling place as soon as possible, and send us an e-mail if it isn't accessible.
Other Links
New York State Board of Elections
National Organization on Disability
102 Sharron Avenue
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
(518) 563-9058 Voice & TTY
(518) 563-0292 Fax
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© 2007, North Country Center
for Independence, Ltd.
Updated: 10 / 19 / 07