United Way and Partners to Conduct Accessibility Surveys on Election Day

United Way of Pickens County, in partnership with Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities, Inc. (P&A), will conduct accessibility surveys on November 6, 2012 at all polling sites in Pickens County.

Representatives from United Way of Pickens County, the Pickens County Board of Disabilities and Special Needs, and community volunteers will evaluate each polling place to determine if it has basic accessible features needed by voters with disabilities.  The survey focuses on areas of a polling site that are important to all voters including parking, the entrance to the polling place, the voting area, and the availability of assistance, if needed.

HAVA (the Help America Vote Act of 2002) is a law whose goals include making access to the electoral process equal for all Americans. One of the roles of P&A is to ensure full participation in all parts of the electoral process for individuals with disabilities such as registering to vote, accessing polling places and casting a vote.

If you are a person with a disability and are a registered voter then you:

• have the right to vote in elections independently or with help. You can select who you want to assist you.

Voting isn't a right. It's THE right - the one that all your others depend upon. To a citizen, nothing is more important. So no matter where you live, no matter what you do for a living, no matter what challenges you face or benefits you receive, you have every right to vote. One step to make certain that ALL voters are able to vote is to ensure that polling places are accessible.

If you need additional information or resources for people with disabilities, contact P&A at the Help Line toll free 866-275-7273 (Voice/TTY) or www.pandasc.org.