Neurodivergent Voting Accommodations

[@withheldformyprotection5518]

Colorado is very ND friendly when it comes to voting. The state has universal mail-in voting, with the option for return by mail or drop boxes. The system also alerts you, if you’ve provided electronic contact information, when your ballot has been received and accepted (after a signature verification). This lessens anxiety over possible ballot issues and allows time to remedy issues should they occur. In-person voting, with early voting, is also available, so it is easy to work around schedules and find a quiet time to vote. Thank you Taylor for providing valuable information!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

you're welcome! And thanks for providing helpful info about how it works in your state. 🙌

[@wolfdreams2000]

I'm in Vermont, and our choices for voting are the same as yours in Colorado. Due to my spine, I have done mail in, or by dropping it in the dropbox at the County Clerk. I also usually vote early regardless of the method cuz the adhd side of me helps me forget to do it. 😅 Thank you, Taylor!

[@BuckeBoo]

Our family will be voting early to avoid the crowds. Planning is paramount no matter who you vote for and will make the process easier to manage.

[@consuelonavarrohidalgo5334]

I voted for the european parliament at lunch time and it was empty but for needed people. It was a pleasure.

[@SociallyConfused]

Great video! I'm lucky enough to live in a state that is all mail-in voting, and I highly encourage using this option if it is available!

[@carolinejames7257]

I'm not American, so I'm a mere bystander here, but I wanted to say two things. First, this gave me an insight into the US voting system that I've never had before, and comparing it to our Australian one was interesting. Secondly, the kind of explanation of the process you've given here for the neurodivergent - without pushing a particular agenda - is an awesome idea. Kudos to you for that. How to register, various accommodations, what to expect, the voting process, all very clear and well-explained. The comments were almost all supportive, or helpful in giving information for other states or other options. I love this idea, and am going to look around and see if we have anything like it here in Oz. If we don't, we really should.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thanks so much for the feedback!

[@marenk.3332]

Same for me Caroline 😁 Greetings from Germany 👋👋

[@janicedlugosz675]

We vote by drop box. We can track our ballots through the system.❤❤❤

[@theresjer]

Great topic.. I got to drop another brag for WA state - all mail voting! I just sent in my state primary ballot. Easy peasy every time.

[@lindaboiteux1758]

This is a wonderful service! Thank you SO much for doing it.

[@NeuroSpicySheri]

Thank you. I just added this video to our Heart of Texas Voters discord server.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thank you for sharing! I appreciate it.

[@grrrooth]

thank you so much for this service to our community! [in Australia where I am, it's compulsory so very easy]

[@MountainWoman68]

In WA State, our ballots and voters' guides are mailed to us, and we can either mail them in or take them to any one of a large number of secure drop boxes around the community. If you live in an area that does this, keep your voter registration up to date (i.e. your address, legal name, etc.) so that you're in the correct district and there aren't any SNAFUs with your ballot arriving on time.

[@deborahoconnor2479]

You are so wise, Taylor. I am learning so much! And I am grateful I have come to you via my 34 yr old daughter recently diagnosed with a “neuro divergent brain”!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

So glad you're here! Thanks for your comment.

[@MimiJaneBee]

the print out will be SO helpful! voting can feel like studying for a test when trying to memorize all the names. thanks for the video Taylor!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

You're very welcome! Happy to help.

[@Infinitesimal-ho7it]

I guess I don't feel like I have gotten much support (I think this is the biggest thing missing for me that I don't think a lot of people get), So, I sympathize with those that are not getting enough support, or are being targeted. I think of myself as part of revolution, and when I try to live it (and it has cost me), it does not lend to a stable lifestyle. I have recently felt like I have found a community, and have started to feel the first glimmers of support, and I feel it in my mind and nervous system. I want that for _everyone._ That is a big part of how I vote. I'm waiting for my mail-in ballot. It better show up in time! Thank you for what you are contributing to a better world!

[@robertbishop7078]

In Minnesota, we use paper ballots. There is a marker to fill in the oval, just like in school, next to the candidate you want. This paper is then fed into a ‘machine’ at the exit that tabulates your vote. Other than that, the process is similar. You check in at the first table. They hand you something to hand to the second table. The second table hands you the ballot. The people at this table can also answer any process questions before you go to a small table, with 3 ‘walls’ to hide your choices from others in the room. With the ballot you get a sleeve, to keep your vote secret as you walk towards the ‘machine’ at the exit. You are then given a sticker, saying 'I voted'.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thanks for sharing this info!

[@markbenyon8813]

That is very similar to the UK. Although they still count the pieces of paper by hand!

[@ClaraClarinete]

For me, as a Minnesotan, I have always mail in voted since I was 18 and at college. It really helps with my anxiety around voting. I have only once been to a polling station. I can do it on a weekend, outside work hours and makes me feel much more relaxed and keeps me calmer.

[@bsquared11]

Here's a tip! I vote in Georgia, so don't know about other states, but in my first years voting I would show up and realize that the ballot was REALLY long and included votes on policies, amendments, etc. where I had no understanding of the background or context, and didn't know how to vote on those in the moment. But I discovered that I can google the ballot for my county before the election, and see exactly what we will be voting on. That way I can arrive having done some research and feeling like I know what I'm voting on. Thanks for the helpful neurodivergent tips, Taylor! And yes, early voting when it's not crowded is the best thing ever!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thank you for sharing this info!

[@jessicaperlove4715]

This was great! Thank you for putting this together.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

You’re welcome! Thanks for your comment.

[@sarahdaviscc]

I love this so much Taylor.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

🫶

[@hollypennington4595]

Great topic! Thanks for putting this out there! 😊

[@RanDom-bk8tt]

This was very helpful! Thank you Taylor!

[@j.r.mccalla8662]

Excellent video.🙌 Just want to underscore early voting as an option especially if you haven't voted before and want to be clear on the specifics of the process. Your vote really matters! Thanks, Taylor ☺️.

[@amandamandamands]

I live in Australia and you saying that the poling workers are volunteers is mind-blowing to me. For us everyone who works inside the polling place is paid (the people who sign off your name and give you the ballot and pencil to fill it in and the people at the boxes after for you to put your ballot into, some of them are also the people who will do the first count of the ballots), all the people outside that are giving information for you to vote for their candidate are volunteers.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

I think I actually may have misspoke about this. I need to do some more research but I do believe US poll workers are paid. I will update the description with more info. Thanks for your comment!

[@katzenbekloppt_mf]

In Germany they are mostly volunteers. So the people working there at that day until the last papervote is counted and then told to the officials. Those organizing and coordinating elections all years are paid of cause. The helpers get "Erfrischungsgeld"( direct translated it's refreshing money, means thank You eat a Pizza and drink a glass off whine on us). And I think they are served some rolls for the break with some lemonade or whatever. It's nothing someone would do for money, It's "serving democracy".

[@michele219]

I’ve been voting by mail since my diagnosis. Way easier. I never knew what to expect at the polling site as far as how crowded or hectic it might be when I got there. This is much better.

[@loniwilliams82]

Thanks so much Taylor! 🙏 I am very comfortable with a mail in ballot. If you're registered in time you may still be able to vote by mail in the primary this year. Then i dont feel rushed. Register and check for your local voting facility. ❤

[@wolfdreams2000]

Thanks for the tip to vote411! That sounds like a fantastic help

[@MomontheSpectrum]

You’re welcome!

[@markbenyon8813]

Excellent explanation of why and how to vote in the USA. Given the slightly complex process for using voting machines, a postal or early vote is definitely a good choice. The kerbside vote option was something I have never come across - a lovely idea to help people vote from their safe place.

[@Adam-pk2te]

We had an election in the UK a few weeks ago and I must say the experience of actually going and voting was thoroughly underwhelming

[@katzenbekloppt_mf]

What a wonderful video, Taylor! As a european I can say first what You said about voting in democracies in general and as a neurodiverse person is also useful and helpful here in Germany or for the european parliament elections we just had. 2nd it was very interesting for me as not-american to compare it with voting here. I learned a lot through journalists explaining the system, those machines or other different to us things arround every US-presidential vote and additional I have read a Newsweek special decades ago that was offered free at english classes because I am interested in history and politics. But some things I didn´t know. I guess the three biggest differences to Germany are: 1) we can vote at the specific place we got the invitation for where we are registered as home adress like a public school or a town hall OR per paper mail as in the US BEFORE the vote, also at the town hall before with the same system per paper mail, but always with "pen and paper", not a machine. 2) around the voting areas there is a kind of banned area where no ads for parties and candidates are allowed and it would be totally illegal to confront people going to vote, talk to them, etc. Also on all public buildings like schools, town houses, courts etc. those ads are forbidden 3) You have to bring Your identity card or maybe also travel passport(this is needed for some places outside europe, I never had one in my life as I never needed one til now, I guess I would need one to travel to the US with a tourist visa), those are the only two legal german identification documents. Every person over 16 has to have an actual identity card and officially always have to carry it with You. You apply it with a biometric photo at a booked appointment at a town hall and although You have to have one it costs a fee to get it. A driving license can not be used like this in the US. Also here a lot of people don´t have one. I myself for example never made one as it costs around 2000 Euros now and You have to go to a driving school for months and have a lot of specialised theoretic and practical lessons. The exam then is also much harder as in the US I learned (it´s not meant bad or arrogant, it´s just very different). In cities it is absolutly not needed to have a car as it is much more nearby and we have good public transport (which of cause is often too much for us neurodiverse people, me too) or bike ways. You mostly walk to Your local shops for example, children walk to school or at higher schools maybe take their bike then as I did in a smalltown or later nearby village to my school (half an hour by bike). I want to make one now that I got more money to do it and be able to also afford a car after to train driving skills, lets see how long I need... Last I have to say this US presidential elections will be the first I don´t watch just interested in general politics or as a european (mixed south american) citizen that knows how important good relations with US government are for europe and the world in general as big governments have to work together in a globalized world; but as I now have some personal connections, even if they are parasocial relationships as with You or Claire as content creators for example or just with people of the online communities on YT or discord it makes a huge different about how I feel this time! It´s much more emotional as I now know concrete people I want to live happy and peaceful now or for whom I wish things like medical or social support, disabled support systems etc. get better in future.

[@loniwilliams82]

Oh i also recommend making sure anyone who has been in the system for an arrest, please check by state because felons are allowed to vote in some states. No one is perfect you may still be eligible! Check by state. ❤

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thank you for sharing this!! Very important info.

[@katzenbekloppt_mf]

Oh...they are NOT everywhere in the US😲? I didn´t know that! In Germany it is a very rare used thing a court has to especially judge. It can be done if sentenced to prison for minimum six months for six special crimes that are somehow connected to national security like assasinate a politician, plan an illegal war or revolution, but also false elections or illegaly corrupt officials giving them money. And just beeing sentenced for having done those six crimes not automatically means You loose Your legal right to vote or be elected. A judge or the German constitution court later has to especially decide this. It´s a very rare thing and even if done it is just possible for two or maximum five years. The idea that ALL prisoners of a state loose their right to vote or be elected - especially knowing how many poc are in prison for racist circumstances feels horrible illegal to me! Is this a common known thing in the US? I want to know more about this...

[@leilap2495]

Woohoo! 🙌🏼 Vote!🗳️ I prefer to prepare my mail-in ballot at home then turn it in at a vote center, either early or on election day. I legally can vote in my parents’s countries. One of them is particularly difficult to vote in and is an authoritarian state with preselected candidates. I have attempted to vote there twice, but have not been able to. The last time they ran out of ballots.

[@katzenbekloppt_mf]

Yeah, it makes a big difference when You grew up with those experiences as a mixed child like You or me I think. However frustrating it can be, democracy and the legal right to vote free and secure is not "normal" to us! We appreciate it a lot.

[@djguapo]

Here after Tim helped Gus fill out his ballot. Wanted to learn more about the laws and process around this.

[@robynmcsharry9611]

I'm an autistic polling worker in the UK. I am not affiliated with either party, but the new voter ID laws are ridiculous. I did a postal vote because I couldn't vote on the day. There is the risk of it being lost. What would make voting more inclusive to disabled people and racialised minorities is voting online. It's the norm in Estonia.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thank you for sharing, and also for the work you do as a polling worker!! It's such an important job.

[@jessicacorrine2085]

Every VOTE matters !! 🌈✨💜

[@gebak18]

Very on point.

[@GrammyAllen]

Where I am, you can request a mail-in ballot and then drop it off which adds the security that many are worried about when mailing in their ballot.

[@andrewrusin2610]

I love your top. It's super adorbs. Did you ever get a replacement pen?

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thanks! And yes I have another cactus pen here one my desk :) so now Dr. Grandin and I are twins

[@katzenbekloppt_mf]

@@MomontheSpectrum haha, I didn´t get the pen-question at first, was thinking it had to do with former elections like You and a commenter told about given a sticker :-D

[@charleshanson9467]

There's another YT channel called "How to Vote in Every State" that goes over details for registration and voting for every individual state and territory, as well as other general tips.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

This sounds like a very helpful resource!! Thank you for sharing.

[@mikicionekk3554]

Voting in Poland is easier, you don't have to register unless you travel on the day of election - then you have to make sure to be able to vote in the other place or in ANY other place somewhere on the road. I really like your idea of a guide for election! It's interesting for us outside USA and helpfull for American subscribers. We are watching American campainge with a great concern. Poland is Ukraine's neighbour country.

[@mikicionekk3554]

In Poland elections are always on Sunday when many people don't work. It starts early in the morning and finishes very late, last parlamentar election lasted extremaly long in the night because it was a very important time politically and voting lasted "till the last voting person in line". You are not allowed to advertise your candidates for the last I don't remember - 48h? It's called "voting silence" and it's to avoid unexpected dramas.

[@wendyheaton1439]

Wow your system is complicated! Coming from the Isle of Man where women were first given the vote I always vote. It's so simple for us... you just arrive, have your name ticked off the list. Go to the booth and use the little pencil to vote on a piece of paper. Fold paper in half and post in the box of completed votes...go home. It's against the law for anyone to approach you about your vote so there's no pressure at all....😊

[@alessazoe]

Same here in Germany. Mind blown! Also, no need to register at all. By law you have to register as a resident at the place you live (you just usually do so every time you move) and everyone who’s registered as a resident and has a right to vote (being of certain age and/or having German citizenship) will get the paperwork for voting via mail just from this register.

[@Martina_E]

Thank you the vote411 is so helpful

[@FreeLee123]

Comment for engagement and a like for the algorithm. Important topic.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

🇺🇸 🫡

[@j.r.mccalla8662]

Just want to encourage everyone to vote down ballot. State and Local elections are super important for your voice to be heard.

[@natalieedelstein]

The process in Texas you're describing is nothing like the process in either of the 2 states I have voted in!

[@jessicacorrine2085]

I’m straight-up scurred!! Have been since 2016. VOTE! 🗳️ please Vote!! 🌍✌🏽💜✨🌻

[@MomontheSpectrum]

We're in this together! 🫶

[@jessicacorrine2085]

@@MomontheSpectrum 💜💜💜

[@charlesgreen8703]

Not Saying Who I’m Voting For…But I’m A Traditional Guy,And I Will Be Voting In Person On Election Day…but I also get why people don’t…every one has their own preferences,circumstances,and situations…but the most important thing is that…no matter how you do it…VOTE on time,because every vote counts!

[@jmvanzalinge5023]

Does anyone know if there's anywhere we can see a chart of the viewpoints of the candidates? I saw one maybe two or three elections ago and loved it because then I didn't have to sit through all the bickering and round about nonsense language in the debates. I haven't been able to find one since.

[@cda6590]

Something I think worth mentioning in the case of autistic people, even though it is a subject often associated with certain political leanings: The vote in November, from a practical point of view, is an all-or-nothing, state-by-state matter, so it is important for you to identify whether your homestate is a swing state and realistically how likely it is that you aren't just throwing away your vote by, for example, voting Red in a State that has historically voted Red every year since 45. But big props on giving so many legitimately positive reasons for voting and practical logistical facts making it easier for other autistics to navigate the process. I'm not trying to be a downer or anything, as I really do have a lot of respect for you going out of your way to encourage this behavior for the adult autism community. I hope you have long-term career success and that years down the road you're reaching and connecting many, many more of us. You're such a good spokesperson for adults on the spectrum and I want more people in general society to associate "autistic adult" with someone like you. Good luck and I genuinely hope good things continue to happen for you.

[@stillnotstill]

Voting isn't just for president tho

[@MomontheSpectrum]

This is so kind thank you very much for your words.

[@azcactusflower1]

🇺🇸 🗳 😊

[@AuditingWithAutism]

❤⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️❤

[@AlexanderSpear]

What if my favorite fidget spinner is a revolver? lol

[@maddienoelle22]

Hey Taylor, in many states, you can actually look at your phone while voting, however you cannot take pictures while voting. I wouldn’t be surprised if they don’t allow this in Texas though because Texas loves voter suppression. 🙃 Not allowing people to look at their phones while voting is actually fairly ableist in my opinion.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thanks for clarifying! I know for sure it’s not allowed in Texas but good to know it’s not like this everywhere.

[@benzandchang2314]

Thanks for this topic! Voting is super important. In Oregon, most people can register to vote online. Voting packets are mailed to voters. You can mail your vote in or drop it at an official drop box (and, of course, you can vote at an official polling place).

[@hollykarra]

💙💙💙💙💙🙏🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂

[@diamondback-my3gm]

Trump 2024

[@deesparklebazinga9374]

My first reaction to seeing the title was 😂 as I don't vote anymore as the system is corrupt no matter who is 'voted' in. I have hope that as more people wake up, things will change. The system needs to start over completely in my opinion xx

[@katzenbekloppt_mf]

Well, I think it is possible to vote "not-counted" by making a big cross over the whole paper or something like that. Then at least this vote counts for the proportions. At least this is how it is here in Germany. This is very important not to get higher percentages for smaller fac**st parties here. I know the system is different but it must make a difference in the US too somehow I think. And it is a sign of respect for people who lost their lifes or were/are harmed actually to fight for the right to vote allover the world for me as daughter of a tortured father who had to flee from Argentina once or as I was married with a person who had to flee for having the wrong religion in an unsecure country not to loose their life.

[@deesparklebazinga9374]

@@katzenbekloppt_mf I'm in the UK and was going to vote by putting a big cross through the whole sheet but I was told that it would be classed as void and not counted/put in the bin so I just ignore the postal vote now.

[@MrStyles784]

The problem with the "both sides" reasoning is that it completely ignores the objective fact that one side is far, far worse for anyone who is disabled, non-white, a woman, etc - I'll be voting against that side at every opportunity

[@katzenbekloppt_mf]

@@deesparklebazinga9374 ugh...that's a bummer...

[@UrbexAPeakInside]

My pastor said he wont tell us who to vote for but to vote for the one who upholds gods laws.

[@funniful]

I agree 100%!

[@katzenbekloppt_mf]

I am religious but for me that has to be a personal thing. A democracy is not a theocracy where all people have to follow religious laws, so I think laws have to be religious/atheist-neutral laws for everyone! That would mean as a religious person You may decide for example if You do an abortion or not following Your personal believes, but it should not be forced over all people who may be atheist or have other religious believes. And a part of the job of politics is to work on laws that then are elected in parliaments (I am not a US-citizen but a european-south american living in europe so I have no better vocabulary to explain this) and I think they have to do for the good of all citizens. And for that I find it very critical to say vote for "who upholds G*s laws"...

[@MrStyles784]

@@UrbexAPeakInside I mean, he sorta did tell you who to vote for, then - just keep in mind the difference between actions and words

[@Stopbeingshallow]

Then that would mean do not vote for a convicted felon.

[@lindworm5384]

while the video is great its really weird not taking a side when republicans dont think of autistic ppl as ppl

[@MrStyles784]

To be fair, she lives in Texas

[@readingwithgoblins]

@@lindworm5384 yeah, it's extremely disappointing and isolating as an ND viewer.

[@scarebears3359]

Yeah, it left a bad taste in my mouth too. I understand not having the capacity to moderate a political debate in the comments, but there are definitely good and bad sides here. Also there's a high correlation between autism and transness, so. Yup. I think it stung more for me because I'm trans myself, but yeah.

[@MrStyles784]

I can understand wanting to avoid polarizing subjects like politics, but there's a threshold after which refusing to acknowledge the elephant in the room only further enables the elephant to stay in the room long after it should have been addressed and removed

[@parkerryann]

i'm a first time voter with anxiety, and this helped me a lot. THANK YOU 🫶🏻