What is NYLN?

A youth-led, youth-run national organization that serves as a voice for and network of young leaders with disabilities.

Our members are youth and young adults with disabilities (age 16-28) and allies (siblings, friends, parents, teachers, etc.).
You can register to be an NYLN member at www.nyln.org. As a member you will get great info and be connected to other young leaders and allies around the country.

IMAGE: Picture of the NYLN logo. It has a hand imprint on it, and it reads: National Youth Leadership Network.

Why vote?
Voting is a very important right.

If you are 18 years old and a US citizen, you have the right to vote.
People fought hard so we could vote. Your vote helps decide what rights we have and who serves as our political leaders.
IMAGE: Two people calling for candidates under a big sign that says VOTE!

Voting makes our democracy work.

Laws That Make Voting Accessible

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 Help America Vote Act (HAVA) of 2002
IMAGE: Picture of a blind man voting. He is wearing headsets and typing his vote. A woman is standing over his shoulder supporting him.

Registering to Vote
IMAGE: A hand In most states, you have to register as a holding an ID card. voter before the election. You have to fill There are flag pictures out a voter registration form and mail it to on voting boxes in the background. your County Clerk. The mailing address and deadline is usually listed on the back of the registration form.

Contact information for your County Clerk can also be found at the front of your local phonebook.

IMAGE: A check mark to specify what you vote for.

Methods of Voting
There are many different ways to vote. The way that you vote may depend on what state you live in.
Make sure you find out which ways you can vote in your state before it is time to vote.

A few different ways to vote are:

o Paper ballot voting at the polls o Electronic voting at the polls o Mail in and absentee ballots

Voting at the Polls

All states have polling places where you can go to vote. Usually they are in your community. By law, polling places should be accessible. If you are voting at the polls, you will be voting on election day. You need to go to your assigned polling place. This can usually be found on your voter registration card. Once you are at your polling place, you may or may not be asked to show identification (I.D.). Different states have different rules.
IMAGE: A polling place where people are voting by writing on paper ballots. All we can see is the back of the stands they are using and their legs.

If your polling place is not accessible

You should contact your STATES Secretary of State. This person handles state business and has a whole office of people. They work for your state government. They are responsible for the voting process in your state.
IMAGE: A flag, hat, balloons, streamers, and vote button. It is very patriotic.

Voting at the Polls

Once you check in, you will be handed a ballot or shown to a VOTING booth.
If you are handed a ballot, follow the directions to fill it out. If you are shown into a booth, you may be voting electronically.
IMAGE: A hand touching a button on the screen of an electronic voting machine.

Electronic Voting Machines

If you vote electronically, you will be asked to either touch a screen or pull a lever after looking at each candidate. Electronic voting machines are not all the same. It is important to follow the directions or ask for help to make sure your vote is counted. There are volunteers to help you at each voting place, but YOU make the choices.
IMAGE: A hand is touching a big button on an electronic voting machine.

Mail-In or Absentee Ballot

Mail-in or absentee ballots have to be requested ahead of time. Each state has different rules about this so always check with your county clerk if you want to vote that way. Once you get your ballot, you will need to mark a box next to your choice. You will then mail it to the address given. Make sure you mail it in by the date listed on the ballot.
IMAGE: A hand filling out a paper ballot.

Mail-In or Absentee Ballot

It is ok to have someone help you fill out your ballot. The person who helps you may have to sign his/her name on the ballot saying that he/she helped you. If you go to school away from where you permanently live, its a good idea to get an absentee ballot so you can still vote away from home.

Knowing the Candidates and the Issues

You can find out more about each candidate by visiting his/her website, reading the op-ed column in the newspapers, or going to town forums. Most states have a nonpartisan (not in favor of either side) voters guide that talks about the issues on the ballot.

IMAGE: A politician standing at a podium and speaking with his hand in the air.

See You At The Polls!

IMAGE: A sign that reads: Feel the power of the disability Vote. Stars surround the words.

For more information, or to become a member, contact us:

National Youth Leadership Network (NYLN) www.nyln.org

1-866-480-6565 Kathleen - kadownes11@aol.com Alex - xav833@yahoo.com

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