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LWVWilco Helps Seniors VOTE
-Janice L Wallace reporting
LWVWilco is meeting people where they are, but what if where they are is in a senior living facility? We meet people there, too! It’s unfortunate, but one aspect of aging or becoming disabled is that caregivers and the community at large may assume that this dims one's interest in voting and elections. This misconception seems to be especially true for those living in a facility that cares for the elderly. Consider some of the barriers residents there may encounter: Materials may be difficult for those whose vision is affected, or there may be a lack of computer access or skills in using on-line sites. For a little over a year, LWVWilco has had a dedicated team of volunteers working especially on solving these problems often encountered in senior living facilities. The League has offered an array of information for people living in all kinds of settings as well as help for voters who cannot arrange a trip to the polls due to mobility issues.
Not all senior living facilities are amenable, but if they are, LWVWilco offers self-service display boxes that include mail in registration forms for those who simply want to update their address on their voting registration, and a 'tip' sheet on filling out the form. A second box has Applications for a Mail Ballot and the LWV "tip" sheet on the application process and the Ballot Return process.We provide a large print version of mail ballot materials for those who need it.
Several sites have asked us to come and provide a short presentation to residents, and others have asked if we can also arrange to visit the least mobile in their rooms.
As we meet with seniors we let them know that all polling sites are required to be accessible and tell them about the availability of curbside voting. We also let them know if they are disabled or aged 65+ they may choose to apply for a ballot by mail. This often depends on family or facility ability to provide transportation. Much of what we do is help individuals check their registration status and address, then inform them of voting options.
In recent weeks, our League Senior Registration team has made visits to Rehabilitation Facilities, Skilled Nursing Facilities, Assisted Living facilities and Independent Living apartment complexes. Most recently we were part of an event for the Georgetown Area Parkinson's Support Group. Thus far we've received a positive response from facility staff (some of whom we've registered), residents of all settings and family members.
Just a short example: we met with a woman at a rehab center who had experienced a serious accident resulting in loss of mobility and full use of her arms. The facility where she resides will be a polling site on election day. She definitely wants to vote, and would prefer to do so from her home county. She hopes to be discharged to her home prior to election day, but still won't be able to drive to a polling site. Her concern was that a) if she updated her county on her voter registration she might not be in the new county on election day and b) if she requests a mail ballot she may be betwixt and between locations when it is mailed. Looking at various scenarios we were able to offer options, putting the decision in her control.
Two elderly men we recently assisted were thrilled to find out how they could exercise their right to vote. After we helped them understand ways they could vote in this election, they grinned ear to ear, and told other residents and facility staff with great excitement: "I'm going to vote!" In all likelihood these were individuals who have reliably voted throughout their adult lives, but had feared they would not be able to do so at this stage of life.
After one of our recent visits, an administrator of one of the facilities exclaimed, "Thank you all again!!! There are so many excited residents and staff because of all of your help!”
And a comment from a relative regarding the assistance we gave to his 95 year old uncle, “Thank you very much ... I truly appreciate all the hard work the League of Women Voters does to help make sure everyone who wants to vote gets to vote… In these strange days we are living in where it is easier to purchase an assault weapon than register to vote, the work you are doing has never been more important and appreciated than right now! I will discuss voting by mail-in ballot with my uncle tomorrow… This truly would be a huge benefit to him considering how difficult it is for him to get around."
A substantial barrier exists for many who discarded photo IDs such as driver's licenses thinking they longer need them. Our plan post election, and post sine die of the next legislative session is to develop an information packet for new residents (or caregivers) of various settings, including information on options for voting as well as need for an acceptable form of ID if they choose to go to the polls.
Most recently, now that early voting has begun, we provided a ride to the polls for a 94 year-old woman who has little remaining vision and must rely on a wheeled walker or power chair for mobility. She has no local family, and while a son had attempted to help her obtain a mail ballot, the application was rejected. She was unable to correct the information due to visual impairment and lack of assistance. We were able to provide a volunteer and transportation to an early voting site, explain the issues to the election judge and she was able to obtain a ballot, make her selections and submit a ballot that will for now be provisional. She has been a lifelong voter, and for years volunteered to help register others to vote, and provide community education on voting. As she left the polls she proudly wore her “I Voted Y’all” sticker and a huge smile.
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