In-person elections happen on  November 8, 2022, but early voting has already begun. The  Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) covers voting, so polling places should be accessible and offer support if needed due to disability. For more information on the ADA and voters with disabilities, please visit the ADA website on voting linked here.  

In this linked article, Social Security outlines how to support Voters with Disabilities Participate in the Democratic Process via the Election Assistance Commission.

You can call 866-Our-VOTE - a non-profit Election Protection group - to speak to people about voting questions and get ideas on assistance. State election websites also have a menu item for "accessible voting". For example, here is the state of Maryland's webpage for Voters with Disabilities.  

Also, the Center for Democracy and Civic Life has Voter Information posted here for Maryland and all other states. UMBC has a ballot collection box on our accessible campus in The Commons (available until 8p on Election Day 11/8) - check your Official Election Mailing, or online for the polling place/option that works best for you. More information from the Center for Democracy and Civic Life, such as checking registration status and requesting a mail-in ballot by November 1, is linked here.

Voting in Maryland - How to register, find your polling location, etc..

Want to know more about candidates in the context of disability - RespectAbility.Org sends out a detailed questionnaire  to candidates - the 2022 RespectAbility.org Maryland Voter Guide is linked here. Other states/responses are also within their website.

Voting in Virginia

https://www.elections.virginia.gov/

The ARC of Northern Virginia had a forum with Congressional candidates to discern where they stand on disability issues in August which can be viewed  at https://thearcofnova.org/events/2022-meet-the-candidates-forums/. 

Additional campus-based resources for people with disabilities and their allies include:

• Student Disability Services
• Accessibility & Disability Services
• Report an Accessibility Concern Online Form.

From October 22nd until October 26 with its peak day and main celebration on October 24th, 2022, Diwali is celebrated both religiously and culturally worldwide.

Also known as “The Festival of Lights”, Diwali celebrates the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil with family gatherings, colorful lights, and fireworks. With the use of “diyas” (lamps), households are all decorated in this celebration.

Diwali is primarily celebrated by those of Hindu, Sikh, and Jain faiths, with a large cultural celebration by people throughout the world. Along with the light of diyas, fireworks are set off on the night of Diwali as a representation to ward off evil spirits. Family is another large aspect of Diwali with the gathering of loved ones while eating sweets and other foods.

Traditions of Diwali can be found here.

All from i3b are wishing that Diwali brings warmth and peace.

Have a joyful Diwali!