Political power we have as PWDs. But here's a positive article we can ALL take to heart.
First... Hello to any new folks!! Hope you're enjoying your participation in the Quad List! It's a comfy place.
I realize it's been a long time since I posted but wanted you all to know I'm still here... reading all the fun "debate" going on here, and taking notice how some have online attitudes and personalities that have been changing from past messages I've read. I.e... typos from the most careful typists, staunch clinging positions by those who I remember being much more thoughful and understanding in all their past posts on issues, etc. I know... these are very general statements but it certainly demonstrates how divisive elections can be. Most e-mail list geared toward friendly, social discussions that "die" tend to get killed during election years. Seen it happen to two non-political lists I belong to already.
I thought I'd pass this on...
Just some info for everyone that seems to suggest every one of our votesb as people with disabilities could be a significant factor in deciding this extremely close election.
"Poll Suggests Disabled Voters Could Swing the Election"
A Press Release from the New York State Independent Living Council (NYSILC), http://www.nysilc.org or [EMAIL PROTECTED]:
Voters with Disabilities May Determine Next President
October 12, 2004
ALBANY, NY - Based on the results of a national Reuters/Zogby poll conducted this past weekend, likely voters who self-identified as people with disabilities may have a decisive impact on the choice for President.
A sample of over 1,200 likely voters was surveyed from across the country. When asked if the election was held today, who would they vote for in the Presidential race, 47% selected Senator John Kerry, 44% for President Bush, 2% for Ralph Nader, 1% other, and 6% not sure.
Out of those surveyed, almost 200 self-identified as a person with a disability, or 16.4%. This is consistent with disability trend figures, which range between 19-20% of the total population in the United States. When asked the same question, Americans with disabilities clearly favored Senator Kerry. Fifty-seven percent stated their intention to vote for Kerry, 34% for President Bush, 2% for Ralph Nader, 0% other, and 7% not sure.
The impact of the disability community's vote was emphasized with one last comparison. Out of the same sample, slightly more than 1,000 respondents did not self- identify as having a disability. This group had a totally different voter preference: 46% would vote for President Bush, 45% for Senator Kerry, 2% for Ralph Nader, 1% other, and 6% not sure.
"I hope these survey results get the attention of the two major Presidential candidates," remarked Brad Williams of the New York State Independent Living Council (NYSILC). "If the campaigns are smart, they would make it a priority to discuss a disability issue in the upcoming national debate on domestic policy." Williams further noted that issues like the long-term care system and civil rights are hot topics.
Jim Dickson of the American Association on People with Disabilities (AAPD) added, "I have often proclaimed that voters with disabilities would be the sleeping giants of American politics." He said, "The giant is now awake, very hungry, and waiting for its slice of the American pie."
The Reuters/Zogby International poll of "National Likely Voters" was a telephone poll conducted in the United States October 8, 2004 to October 10, 2004. It has a Margin Of Error (MOE) of 2.9 percentage points. The total sample was based on 1,212 individuals with 198 self-identifying as people with disabilities. The individuals who participated reflected a diverse cross section of likely voters. Various demographic characteristics were taken into account in the selection of the sample. Contact the NYSILC office for details about the methodology.
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The New York State Independent Living Council's (NYSILC) vision is to achieve a world where people with disabilities experience equal rights and opportunities in all aspects of society.
CONTACT:
Brad Williams, Executive Director NYSILC
111 Washington Avenue, Suite 101
Albany, NY 12210
(518) 427-1060
(518) 427-1139 [Fax]
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Website: www.nysilc.org
