Maryland disabilities Forum

2024 Maryland Senate Candidate Forum

Maryland Disabilities Forum MD Senate Candidate Forum Candidate for Senate Angela Alsobrooks Addresses Disability Topics Vote in the Maryland election on Nov. 5th!
Maryland Disabilities Forum MD Senate Candidate ForumCandidate for Senate Larry Hogan Addresses Disability TopicsVote in the Maryland election on Nov. 5th!
The Maryland Senate Forum is a non-partisan platform that empowers the disability community to directly engage with candidates and voice their concerns on the issues that matter most to them. This forum provides a unique opportunity for individuals with disabilities, their families, and advocates to ask questions, share experiences, and highlight the challenges they face in everyday life. By participating in this forum, the disability community can ensure that their needs and perspectives are heard and considered by those seeking to represent them in the Senate. It’s a chance to bring attention to crucial topics such as accessibility, healthcare, education, and employment, which are often overlooked in broader political discussions.
This forum not only amplifies the voices of those who are often marginalized but also holds candidates accountable for addressing the specific needs of the disability community. Through this engagement, voters can assess the candidates’ commitment to disability rights and their plans to create a more inclusive and equitable society. The Maryland Senate Forum is more than just a discussion; it’s a powerful tool for the disability community to shape the future of their state by influencing the policies and priorities of the next generation of leaders. If you would like to sponsor the Maryland Senate Candidate Forum or the Maryland Disabilities Forum advocacy activities, please take a look at our sponsor page by clicking here.
wATCH THE FULL 2024 md sENATE cANDIDATE fORUM
Audio-Only Version of the 2024 MD Senate Candidate Forum

Voter Education workshops

  • ▪Prince George’s County Voter Education Workshop Date: 9/24/24 Time: 10 AM - 1 PM Location: M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County Southern Area Aquatics and Recreation Complex -13601 Missouri Ave. Brandywine, MD 20613 REGISTRATION CLOSED

  • ▪Virtual Voter Education Workshop Date: 10/1/24 Time: 10:30 AM - 1 PM Location: Virtual REGISTRATION CLOSED ▪Washington County Voter Education Workshop Date: 10/9/24 Time: 10 AM - 1 PM Location: The Arc Washington County - 820 Florida Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 21740 REGISTRATION CLOSED

Make an impact. Your vote, your voice.

The Power of Your Vote: Why Every Voice Matters
In a democracy, the power to shape our future lies in our hands. This power is exercised through the simple, yet profound act of voting. Whether in local elections, state referendums, or national contests, each vote casts a ripple in the waters of our collective future. Yet, despite the significance of voting, many people often overlook or underestimate the impact of their participation in the electoral process. This blog post explores why voting is not just a civic duty but an essential element in ensuring that our voices are heard and our values reflected in the governance of our society.
1. Voting is Your VoiceAt its core, voting is the primary means by which citizens can express their opinions on how they are governed. Each vote is a voice speaking out on issues that affect our daily lives—healthcare, education, the economy, social justice, and more. When you vote, you contribute to the decisions that shape public policy and the direction of your community, state, and nation. Every election is an opportunity to influence the course of events, and your vote is your most direct form of participation in democracy.
2. Every Vote CountsIn close elections, the margin of victory can be razor-thin. History is replete with examples where a few votes, or even a single vote, determined the outcome of an election. Whether it's a local school board race or a presidential election, your vote could be the one that tips the scales. The notion that "my vote doesn't matter" is a misconception; collectively, our votes add up to the final result. When more people vote, the result is a more accurate reflection of the will of the people.
3. Voting Shapes the FutureElections determine who will lead us, what policies will be implemented, and how resources will be allocated. The leaders we choose make decisions that affect not just our present but the future of our children and grandchildren. By voting, we have the power to elect representatives who align with our values and visions for the future. We can support initiatives that promote equality, sustainability, and progress, or conversely, stand against policies that we believe could harm our society.
4. Voting is a ResponsibilityVoting is more than a right; it is a responsibility. In many parts of the world, people have fought and died for the right to vote. In the United States, the right to vote has been hard-won through struggles for civil rights, women's suffrage, and the expansion of voting rights to all citizens. By voting, we honor the sacrifices of those who came before us and ensure that our democracy remains vibrant and inclusive.
6. Voting Empowers CommunitiesWhen entire communities participate in voting, they gain collective power. Communities that vote in large numbers can influence political agendas, attract attention to their needs, and ensure that their concerns are addressed. Voting empowers individuals and communities alike, giving them a voice in the larger political landscape.
7. Voting is a Means of AccountabilityElected officials are accountable to their constituents. By voting, we hold our leaders responsible for their actions and decisions. If they fail to meet our expectations, we have the power to replace them with others who better represent our views. Voting is a critical tool for ensuring that those in power remain responsive to the needs and desires of the people.
Voting is a clear and powerful way to make ourselves heard. It is the cornerstone of democracy and the means by which we shape the world we live in. By participating in elections, we affirm our commitment to the principles of liberty, equality, and justice for all.
So, the next time an election comes around, remember the importance of your vote. Make the time to research the candidates and issues, go to the polls, and cast your ballot. Your vote counts, and your voice matters. Let it be heard.
current sponsors
This project is partially supported by the Administration for Community Living as part of a total award of $1,262,502.