How to Help Residents Vote This Election Season

• By: Ben Hawkins
• On: 10/24/2024 12:10:42
• In: Announcements/Reminders

AHCA/NCAL has developed a quick guide on how you can help residents exercise their right to vote this year. The complete guide is accessible here. A few highlights are included below:

Make it Fun
Voting in elections has been an exciting time for many residents, for many years throughout their lives. Some facilities continue to celebrate this exciting time through celebrations that may include “I Voted" stickers or red, white, and blue balloons. Other facilities report they have a local elected official meet with residents prior to election season so they are educated about their rights and the processes they will follow. This could be a part of a residents' council meeting, or a kick-off to the season. A #LTCVotes Campaign was recently initiated to encourage facilities to ensure residents have the right to vote.

Below are some suggested activities you can do to help make the election season fun for residents:

• Host a registration party
• Host a facility tour for candidates, so residents can get to know them, and elected officials can learn more about long term care
• Talk with residents about their history when voting
• Host trivia events related to election history
• Start a countdown calendar for how many days until the election
• Post pictures and videos of residents participating in election related events and using the #LTCVotes campaign hashtag and tag your community

Help Residents Register to Vote 
The first step is making sure residents who want to vote are registered to vote. Deadlines to register vary by state. 

Check out Vote.gov to find the registration deadlines in your state and how to register. 

Help Residents with Mail-In/Absentee Ballots 
For frail residents in long term care, absentee ballots may be an easier option than voting in-person. However, as noted previously, facilities should review any rules regarding mail-in or absentee ballots as they may vary by state. Check out 'Can I Vote' to easily find your state's specifics with absentee or early voting. 

When residents receive their ballots in the mail, ensure staff understand what they can and cannot help with when it comes to assisting residents in filling out their ballots. For example, an assistance provider should ask the voter what choice he or she wants to make. The assistance provider must never make assumptions regarding how a person wants to vote. If the resident has a Power of Attorney (POA), that person should be contacted about helping the resident fill out their ballot. 

Pay particular attention to any state requirements regarding the authenticity of mail-in ballots. For example, in Missouri, absentee ballots must be notarized. Make sure your staff understand these requirements ahead of time, so they can be ready to help residents not only complete their ballots but avoid any pitfalls for disqualification. 

Send in completed ballots as soon as possible, whether by mail or at local ballot drop boxes, if your state or county offers them. 

Many states also offer voters the ability to track their ballot online. Work with the resident or their loved one, if they wish to make sure their ballot was received and qualified to be counted. Sending in ballots quickly may help a resident address any issues flagged with their ballot promptly, to ensure it will be counted. 

Staff contact: bhawkins@mehca.org