A very good Election Day to you! Have you voted? Will you vote? I hope so! Even if it takes some extra effort, exercising our right to vote is one of the most important activities we can engage in -yes, even if you feel that with your health challenges you are more marginalized than mainstream.

I realize that the physicality of voting can pose some issues. In many neighborhoods, polling place locations have changed or have been eliminated, requiring us to go farther to vote. One former polling place that I had to go to was not handicap-accessible (unless the person needing accommodation really pressed for assistance). The harsh fluorescents and hard floors might make for a painful wait to get a ballot and a voting booth. And once we’re in the booth, we might not have abundant enthusiasm for the particular people and things presented for us to vote for or against.

Yet, if we do not make the effort to vote, we are the ones marginalizing ourselves.  And if we do not participate in the process, we have no hope ever of bringing our particular needs and concerns to the forefront.

Absentee ballots are always an option for those who are home-bound or cannot take time to vote on Election Day.  Some communities have a public service of providing transportation for those whose mobility problems would otherwise prevent them from voting. Other areas allow voting on days other than the actual Election Day.

Others will not understand or see the extra effort we have to give to vote. But rest assured that what we do today does matter to us and our communities. The more we participate, the more voice we will have.

Joy and peace,

Maureen