2009 Election Process for Those With Mental Illness

As social workers, we empower people in their everyday lives. But it's easy to forget that voting is another form of empowerment.

We know the election checklist:
1. find out names of state and local candidates
2. research their position on the issues
3. choose the candidates we support
4. make sure we're registered to vote
5. find the closest polling place
6. VOTE

But when it comes to our clients, we should also talk with them about what help they might need in getting to the polls or in voting. While we don't discuss politics with them, we can make sure their voice is heard and their vote is counted. We can do that by ensuring that they get help in voting from family, friends or responsible agencies.

Here's an article on a recent voting machine demonstration in Pequannock for a group of people with various mental illnesses: http://www.nj.com/news/local/index.ssf/2009/10/pequannock_demonstration_helps.html