[NFBNJ] Reminder: Urgent Legislative Alert for NJ S3302 Requires availability of accessible mail-in ballot for voters with disabilities

[Linda Melendez]

Isn’t it time to be able to vote independently and privately, using your
own computer and assistive technology at home? Remember the issues you have
had at your local polling place or while completing a mail-in ballot. The
ADA and the Help America Vote Act provide the right to vote independently
and privately. The 2024 Presidential Election is coming soon and we need a
full-court press to ensure our participation using accessible electronic
ballots which is permitted in 14 states.


What’s the plan to enact this voting methodology in New Jersey? The NJ
Coalition for Accessible Voting is asking each of you to call, e-mail or
write snail mail letters to NJ Legislative Committees members considering
S. 3302 in the Senate.Please share this alert far and wide!


Please indicate if you also are a constituent and message your
legislators.  We have the best chance to pass our legislation THIS YEAR as
legislators know our votes count! Our opportunity is NOW!


We have an uphill battle as Common Cause and the Brennan Justice Center are
objecting to our bills because of unfounded security concerns. Included
below are some talking points to use in your emails. Please tailor your
messages to be in your own voice; please don’t just copy and paste text,
especially to your Senator but feel free to use what is listed below as a
start.


It would be enormously helpful if you would send your messages as soon as
possible. Please let us know if you receive a reply. Exercising our right
to vote is a linchpin that makes our democracy run. There’s a lot of
information to take in but I am confident each of us is up to the task.


To review S3302 click on the link below:

NJ Legislature (state.nj.us)
<https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2022/S3302>


When you call or email, you might say the following:

"Hello, my name is [YOUR NAME], and I am a constituent of [SENATOR NAME]. I
live in [CITY, STATE]. I would like to urge [SENATOR NAME] to cosponsor S.
3302. This legislation requires availability of accessible mail-in ballots
for voters with disabilities. This bill removes a voting barrier commonly
experienced by blind Americans who cannot vote remotely using a paper
ballot.


Thirteen states allow accessible absentee voting for voters with
disabilities and New Jersey allows uniformed and overseas voters to vote
absentee by the same provisions included in this legislation. New Jersey
needs to be added to that list and let voters with disabilities vote with
the same privacy and independence as voters without disabilities.

Thanks."


You can contact your Senators by calling the Switchboard and asking for the
office in question. The number is *800-792-8630* <+1800-792-8630>. If you
email your Representatives and senators, please copy Jeff Kaloc at
jkaloc at nfb.org and Lou Ann Blake at lblake at nfb.org. Your calls and emails
do make a difference.


Thank you for all that you do,

Linda Melendez, President
National Federation of the Blind of NJ
908-590-1747
President at nfbnj.org
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