Message from the commissioner: Let your voice be heard — get out and vote

Massachusetts Primary Election Day is coming up on Tuesday, September 4 — and we need people with disabilities to get out the vote!

Voter access is a top priority of my office. I work closely with the Election Department to ensure that all Boston residents have an equitable experience when they go to the polls. We have made great improvements in ADA compliance at polling locations in Boston over the last few years.

Communication access for voting has also been improved. Today, every polling site has an AutoMark machine to accommodate voters who are blind, visually impaired, or have a disability that affects their ability to mark a ballot.

And now, all polling places have “Accessibility Ambassadors” who are trained in disability etiquette, accessibility at the site, and assisting people with disabilities in using the AutoMark machine. I participated in the training for the Ambassadors, organized by the Elections Commission.

Any resident whose disability prevents them from voting in person on Election Day can submit an absentee ballot. Visit the City of Boston Election Department webpage to fill out an application. The deadline for submission is Friday, August 31, no later than 5 p.m.

There’s a lot at stake in this election. Voting gives each of us the opportunity to choose representatives who value issues of importance to the disability community.

Remember every vote matters — and each vote counts!