A Vote of Confidence on Election Day

Nothing symbolizes our rights and freedoms as American citizens more than exercising our right to vote on Election Day. On that day, in that booth, all of us as Americans are equal, and our vote counts as much as it does for any other American.

And so it was the case for a group of individuals with developmental disabilities who receive services and supports from Bethesda on Nov. 2, when America came together to choose its next president.

On the Watertown, Wis., Campus, there were six individuals who voted in the presidential election. Staff gave them the option of voting via absentee ballot or going to the polls the day of the election and all wanted to go to the polls and exercise their right to vote in that fashion, just like the majority of Americans.

In preparation for the election, Lori Wallander, day program instructor at the Watertown Campus, was able to pull together information about the candidates and where they stood on the issues. She then met with the individuals during Home Council meetings to discuss what was important to them in the election and see how it matched up to each candidate.

Home Council meetings occur on the Watertown Campus in a group setting once a week and involve the individuals who reside in each living area. The meetings consist of topics regarding their lives, such as health-related issues and politics, and are open to their concerns and needs. Wallander outlined a theme for the Home Council meetings where individuals would learn about rules and laws and why they exist, and how they affect all of us. That particular theme was started almost nine months previous to the election, and as the election drew near, the discussions turned more toward issues involving the election and why and how we pick a president.

In addition, Vickie Sanford, QMRP Manager at Bethesda's Watertown Campus, and Marty Block, QMRP assistant at the Watertown Campus, were able to meet with the individuals who were voting, both individually and in groups, about the election and the candidates and discuss any questions they had with the process.

"We were there to inform them on some of the issues and let them know how each candidate stood on those issues," says Sanford. "The individuals took it very seriously, and even got a little worried about their responsibility. All we could tell them was that it was their decision, that there was no right or wrong answer, and they should just make their opinion on their beliefs and values."

Wallander, Sanford and Block all agree that the individuals were very informed on the issues involved in the campaign, and were impressed at how informed each of the individuals were about the candidates. Block went on to say that the individuals are very good at keeping up with current events, and said that one even paid for a subscription to a local newspaper to keep up on events.

"They were very in tune to the issues that affect them the most," says Sanford. "They were very aware of the cost of health care going up and how that means the cost for them to live at Bethesda is also rising. They were very concerned and wanted to help control those costs if possible."

Wallander noted that watching the debates helped a lot of the individuals make their decision and enabled them to see the person and make a judgment as to if they were a good person or not.

The day of the election, things went very smoothly for those individuals from the Watertown Campus who chose to vote. The polling place was at Watertown's Senior Center, and the election workers were very helpful in aiding the individuals through the voting process.

"When we were in line and waiting to get the ballot, one of the election workers asked me for the name of the individual, but before I could answer, the individual told them her name and where they lived," says Block. "They wanted the person to know that they were making the decision and didn't need any help."

Sanford noted that the individuals she assisted enjoyed putting their ballot into the counting machine, which she thought helped symbolize a sense of accomplishment for them and how their vote counted just like anyone else's vote.

The individuals' excitement about the election was contagious according to Block.

"They were so pleased and excited to vote, that it really encouraged me," says Block. "After getting back, their excitement and persistence encouraged me to go down to the polling place and vote during my lunch hour!"

After voting, Sanford says that the individuals were satisfied with their decision, and that someone remarked 'I think I did as well as anyone,' when asked about his voting experience.

"I was impressed at how the individuals reacted after the outcome was decided," remarks Block. "They accepted that the person who won was their president, even if they didn't vote for that person, and among them there was no one being too excited or too angry. It was a telling sign of democracy in action, and one that I think was helped through the Home Council sessions."

Sanford believes that voting really empowered the individuals who voted and let people know that their opinions and their decisions matter.

"I think it's important that they are enabled to exercise all their rights," says Sanford. "And voting is just one of the many important rights and opportunities they have and can accomplish. The most important aspect to remember is that they want to be involved in decisions that affect them and their daily life, and what better decision than the decision to choose their next president. It's the perfect way to voice their opinion."

Block echoes those same comments and her responsibility as a Bethesda staff member.

"As long as they have the ability to vote, I think individuals with developmental disabilities should exercise their right to vote," states Block. "And if we don't enable them to do this, we're not doing our job."