First Place AZ, a nonprofit innovating a holistic approach to supportive housing and community development, is launching Vote the Spectrum, a multifaceted effort to register 10,000 individuals with autism and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities and those who support them to vote.

“The vote margins in national, state and local elections are closer today than they have been in more than a century,” Denise D. Resnik, First Place AZ founder, president, and CEO, shared in a press release. “Every person living with autism or a disability along with their family members, caregivers, teachers, therapists, health care teams and supportive community members must recognize that their voices and votes matter.”

Researchers at Rutgers University found a 5.7-point voting gap between people with disabilities and non-disabled people in 2020 across the country, according to a 2022 Forbes article. This is a large enough gap that this population could have a dramatic impact on elections.

“I have strong opinions about issues that are very important to me,” Harry Goralnik, a proud and autistic Arizonan, stated. “I want my voice to be heard.”

After kicking off registrations at YES Day for Autism in Tempe in October, First Place and The Arc of Arizona, Raising Special Kids, the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center, mayors, self-advocates, parents, and Spanish-language groups are collaborating for additional registrations. Supportive organizations are encouraged to use this tool kit.

First Place is also encouraging registrations among the residents and families of its flagship property, First Place-Phoenix, a 63-unit apartment property with a suite of supports and amenities for individuals with autism, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injury and other neurodiversities.

The central Phoenix location will serve as the site for 2024 educational workshops.

Plans are in the works for First Place, the Arizona Secretary of State’s office, and the Maricopa County Recorder’s office to hold mock election days allowing people to familiarize themselves with what to expect at the voting booth.

“2023 is the 30th anniversary of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 that made it easier for Americans to vote and maintain their registration,” Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes stated. “Vote the Spectrum is a timely effort to ensure this population has the opportunity to fully engage in the community.”

More than 110,000 individuals with autism and/or other neurodiversity in the U.S. turn 18 years old every year. While some adults with A/I/IDD are under guardianships, those who are under partial guardianships may have the opportunity to vote.

“Individuals with autism and disabilities and members of their supportive community have the power to shift the outcome of elections and influence matters of importance to them and us all, including housing, healthcare, workplace accommodations, public services and rights of all kinds,” Resnik stated.

Email info@firstplaceaz.org or visit firstplaceaz.org for information.