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September 24, 2024 | #TheArcVotes | Issue 3

Welcome to the third issue of The Arc of Massachusetts' 2024 voter newsletter!

Between now and election day, The Arc of Massachusetts will be reaching out to you with important updates, resources, and information about the 2024 elections, getting out the vote in the disability community, and making sure your voices are heard in this crucial election year.

This election year has already proven itself to be unlike any year in recent memory, but one thing remains the same: people with disabilities are counting on us to show up and vote.

The Arc of Massachusetts is a non-partisan organization. We do not support specific candidates.

We advocate for changes that impact the communities we serve.

On Wednesday, October 23, the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities will be hosting their 2024 National Disability Employment Awareness Month Celebration at the Massachusetts State House. As part of this celebration, Maura Sullivan, The Arc's Deputy Executive Director, will be taking part in a panel discussion entitled "Accessible Democracy: Every Vote Counts." Registration is now open. More information here.

Coming Next Week: The Arc of Massachusetts will be launching a series of interviews with self-advocates discussing the importance of voting for the disability community, the issues they are most concerned about, barriers they have experienced in voting, and much more.

You won't want to miss these: stay tuned to The Arc's social media accounts to see them first!

Tell Us Your Story

Why do you vote? What does voting mean to you? Why do you think it's important for people with disabilities to vote? Share your stories with us by emailing Katerina Daley, Director of Communications, at daley@arcmass.org with the subject line My Voter Story. Make sure to share a photo with your story and we'll be including you in our social media campaign!

2024 Elections: Important Dates to Know

2024 General Election Cycle:

• Registration for General Election Deadline: October 26, 2024
• Mail In Ballot Application Deadline: October 29, 2024
• General Election Date: November 5, 2024
• Vote by Mail Deadline: 5:00PM on November 8, 2024 (postmarked by November 5, 2024)

Upcoming Presidential and Vice Presidential Debates

Vice Presidential Debate: Tuesday, October 1 on CBS:

• Governor Tim Walz (D) vs. Senator JD Vance (R)
• Moderated by Margaret Brennan and Norah O'Donnell

It is unknown at this point whether there will be another presidential debate.Vice President Kamala Harris (D) agreed to a debate with CNN on October 23. Former President Donald Trump (R) declined the invitation. Stay tuned for more news.

Topics to Pay Attention to During the Debates

• Medicaid
• Social Security
• Healthcare
• Housing
• Education
• Civil Rights
• Voting Rights
• Technology
• Transportation

Sign the 2024 Disability Voter Pledge!



In years like this, it’s important to remember the words of renowned activist Justin Dart, Jr., known as the father of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): “Vote as if your life depends on it – because it does.”

There are 38 million eligible voters with disabilities - and when you add caregivers and family members, that number increases to 67.7 million eligible voters. Altogether, the disability community represents the largest minority voting bloc in the country. 

By adding your name to this Voter Pledge, you are confirming that:

• You will vote this November
• You care about issues that affect persons with disabilities and you will vote for candidates you believe will care for their needs
• You will spread the word about the importance of voting within your family, friend circle, and community at large

Your Right to Vote (Webinar 1 of 2)

Voting is one of our most sacred rights. Yet historically, the disabled community has not been well represented at the voting booth. Join Jose Lopez, The Arc's Policy Officer, to learn about your options and timelines for voting. For democracy to succeed, we need people to participate in the process. If we are to continue to make positive changes for the disabled communities we serve, we need informed citizens voting to elect those leaders who best represent their values and priority concerns. To do that, you must vote!

Why Voting Matters (Webinar 2 of 2)

Many are saying the upcoming election will be one of the most important election cycles in a generation. Now more than ever, we need informed citizens using their vote to elect leaders who best represent their interests. Join Jackie Doherty, The Arc’s new Director of Education and Outreach, for a webinar to explore Voting Matters on Wednesday, August 28 at noon. Jackie will be joined by panelists Henry Milorin, Elections Commissioner from Medford and parent of an adult son with autism, and Jim White, Past Chair of the Access Advisory Committee to the MBTA and Election Poll Inspector for the City of Boston.