Election time is coming! Everyone’s vote counts as you can see by what happened in the past presidential election. –We won’t get political but I just want to remind you that it’s important to cast your vote. It doesn’t matter what your party affiliation is, but it’s important that everyone who is eligible gets to vote. You may be thinking why bother – it’s not going to do me any good anyway! My parents used to think like that, but I reminded them that the elected officials really do have an impact on things concerning them. Critical issues that directly affect them including cuts to Medicare, the ACA and supplemental health coverage and other benefits affecting the elderly and the sick. Considering that my parents each have had extended stays in the hospital and needed care, it became a very important issue that we must keep on top of. 
My Mom’s absentee ballot arrived in the mail last week. I signed up for this years ago, and it comes automatically for each election – primaries and general elections. It reminded me that this is something that everyone who’s caring for an elder should consider for them as well. If the loved one that you are caring for isn’t able to get to the polls, consider requesting an absentee ballot for them. The primary elections may be over but the November ballots are important, especially for these interim elections securing seats for those who will be representing you in your city and in Washington. There’s a lot of changes happening with regard to caregiver and eldercare legislation and you ought to be sure that your needs are being considered. Healthcare reform is a hot button issue and other rights are being discussed every day. Be sure that you are in on that conversation! Don’t wait until it’s too late. You should have received your voting registration details by now. If you haven’t contact your local state board of elections.
You can go to www.usa.gov/register-to-vote where you’ll find:
- Deadlines
- Info allowing you to check the status or find changes to your voter registration
If you or your love one are unable to make it physically into your local polling place consider signing up for an absentee ballot.
Visit www.usa.gov/absentee-voting:
- Get the form for your state by either finding your state or local election office’s website and looking for “Absentee Voting” or “Vote by Mail” or entering those terms in the search box. You can also visit this directory to find your local election site and you can also apply online!
- Note that each state has different requirements and may require you to have a reasonable excuse for voting as an “absentee” according to usa.gov/absentee-voting these may include:
- Having an illness, injury, or disability that prevents you from getting to your local polling place
- Being on business travel or vacation outside of your county or city of residence on Election Day
- Being a student at an out-of-state college or university
- Mark the absentee ballot application deadline it in your calendar and note the date you expect to receive the ballot after sending the application.
- Most importantly, fill it out as soon as you receive it and drop it in your mail box. Be sure to note the date that it needs to reach the board of elections to ensure that your vote gets counted!
I want to be sure that you are informed and aware of your options. With everything going on today, we must be our own advocates and let those we elect represent our concerns. Feel free to let me know if you were able to get an absentee ballot.
Until next time..
Be Well,
Denise
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