Page 14 - Senior Times South Central Michigan - October 2016 - 23-10

Page 14
Senior Times - October 2016
Services:
Short-term Rehab Skilled Nursing Care Respite Care Palliative Care
270 N Bedford Road Battle Creek, MI 49017 (269) 968-2296
Specializing In:
Stroke Rehab
Auto Accident Recovery Neuro Rehabilitation Wound Care
Orthopedic Rehabilitation Programs
Post Knee/Hip Replacement Rehab
The United States Constitution guarantees every U.S. citizen age 18
or older the right to vote. Our state constitution further defines the right
to vote by also requiring voters to be residents of Michigan and registered to vote in their city or township of resi- dence. They must also fulfill Michigan's voter identification requirement. The requirement can be met in two ways:
1) by bringing acceptable ID, such as a Michigan driver's license, personal ID card or other current ID document or 2) by signing an affidavit stating you are not in possession of ID.
Other than city or township residency, identification and age requirements, state and federal laws do not place any other restrictions on the right to vote. Voting allows us to shape public policy and determine who leads our communi- ties, state and nation. Our right to vote is basic to our system of democracy, and depends on all people having full and equal access to the ballot.
Federal and state laws require Michigan's cities, townships and vil- lages to provide a reasonable number of accessible registration facilities. It is the intent of the law to ensure that voters with disabilities are fully able to exercise their voting rights at the polls. Any action or physical barrier that prevents voters with disabilities from casting a ballot is unacceptable.
Voting at the polls can present a unique set of challenges to people with disabilities.
To fulfill the intent of the laws, elec- tion officials must consider access from outside and inside the polling place. Problems with the physical surround- ings such as narrow doorways, stairs, broken pavement, and other obstacles outside can prevent voters with disabili- ties from entering a polling place. Inside a polling place, issues like inadequate lighting and seating, and voting stations that cannot accommodate a person who is seated can further hamper someone's right to vote.
To ensure that proper accessibility
is maintained, federal and state laws require polling places to remove or make accommodations for any barriers that prevent voters with disabilities from voting. Care should be taken to ensure that the polling place is accessible - doors should not be blocked, alterna- tives to stairs such as ramps or elevators should be available, and lighting and seating should be adequate.
To help communities remove these barriers and improve access to poll-
ing places, the Michigan Secretary of State's office has awarded over $1 mil- lion in Help America Vote Act (HAVA) grants to municipalities statewide. Most of the work involved improvements to parking spaces, passenger drop-off ar- eas, interior and exterior paths of travel, building entrances and voting areas.
Inside the polling location, at least one voting station should be adapted
to allow a person to vote while seated. In addition, all voters, including voters with disabilities, have access to the AutoMARK Voter Assist Terminal in all polling places. The AutoMARK oper- ates like an electronic ink pen. It simply
Battle Creek Manor
675 Wagner Drive Battle Creek, MI 49017
269.969.6244
www.advantageliving.net
• Short Term Rehab
• Spacious Private Rooms • Specialized Alzheimer’s /
Dementia Unit
• Most Insurances Accepted Including Medicare
& Medicaid
The Right Choice For Rehab Is Easy
95% Recommendation To Others
The Rights of Voters
For virtual tours visit www.laurelsofbedford.com
A Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Celebrating 2015
National Quality Award
Community & Business Leader
• Army Veteran (Vietnam Era)
• Native of Battle Creek
• 41 Years Business Ownership
• Community Involvement:
• Rotary (Cereal City Sunrise)
• Ambucs
• Kiwanis (Lakeview/Urbandale)
• Battle Creek & Albion Chambers • American Legion Post 298
• Navy League of the United States
• Talon’s Out Honor Flight
• KCC and WMU Degrees
• Family,TroyWensauer,
Laura Tooze, four grandchildren and one great grandson
Commitee to elect Wensauer Calhoun County Treasurer
Grand Vista is a place seniors can receive the care and support needed to live fulfilling lives in a home-like environment.
138 Woodrow Avenue North, Battle Creek, Michigan 49015
Family Owned & Operated
• Medication Management • 24/7 Pharmacy Services • Personalized Care Plans • ADL & IADL Support • Meals Services
• Housekeeping
& Laundry Services
• Daily Activities & Entertainment
• All Inclusive Pricing
Grand Vista Located in Coldwater & Marshall, Michigan Ph: 517-227-5225 www.grandvistaliving.com