7 Questions with A Couple featuring Bari Talente

Voting, MS and the November 3 election

Welcome to “7 Questions with A Couple,” a new monthly series on our blog that will include quick conversations with a variety of experts and influencers from throughout the MS community. For our first-ever series post, we are thrilled to introduce Bari Talente. Bari is the Executive Vice President of Advocacy at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Sure, we’re excited to tell you that she earned her law degree from the University at Buffalo School of Law and a bachelor’s degree from Binghamton University, and she also is a member of the New York and District of Columbia bars. Pretty impressive, right? But we’re even more impressed with the tireless work Bari has done to help guide MS activists like us, and sharing with you her insights into voting, MS and the November 3 election.

1. Why is it so important for members of the MS community to cast their vote?

I believe it’s important, not only for the MS community, but for every single citizen to vote. I’ve taken my kids with me to vote since they were very little – I want them to understand it’s a responsibility and privilege that not everyone is lucky enough to have.

For people with MS, it’s even more important. Representation matters and we know that people with disabilities are less likely to vote, which can translate into less representation in the halls of Congress and state legislatures across the country. Issues like disability rights, access to medications and health coverage are so important to people living with MS  – we each have a responsibility to make sure that the people we are voting into office will help find solutions for people affected by MS.

2. What are among the biggest MS-related issues that could be influenced by this year’s election?

Last November, the National MS Society conducted a survey looking towards the 2020 Presidential election, and  healthcare was reported as one of the top three issues for 83% respondents. The top issues within healthcare were protections for people with pre-existing conditions, the cost of health care and prescription drug price reform.

Affordable access to medications is one of the top MS-related issues to watch this election season. Both presidential candidates are talking about it, and there has been some bipartisan leadership in Congress to move solutions forward.

3. How big of a role will COVID-19 play in the 2020 election?

COVID-19 will play a big role in the 2020 election in a number of ways. First, the economy is often a top cited issue for voters in presidential elections and the economic impacts of COVID-19 will bring a heightened sense of urgency this year. Healthcare has also been a top issue in the last few elections and is certainly top of mind right now. I would expect the COVID-19 response to come up in the Presidential debates. And then, of course, COVID-19 impacts the very act of voting. Will people feel safe going to the polls? How many polling places will be open? What role will voting by mail have in this election? Will people be able to vote early?  

4. What tips do you have for people who are looking to vote safely?

Borrow from the Boy Scout motto and “be prepared.” It’s not too early to think about how you want to cast your vote this year and understand your options. Estimates are that one in every three voters will vote early or absentee (by mail). If you’re interested in voting by mail, learn the requirements in your state, deadlines to request a ballot and make sure you mail your ballot in with extra time built in for it to reach its destination.

If you want to vote in person, remember that not all polling locations may be open. Research if there are opportunities to vote early and what those requirements are. Contact your local election office to find out where polling locations may be and ask about accessibility considerations if that’s a concern. Remember, if there are fewer polling sites open than in past elections, think about transportation to the polling site and be aware that you may need to wait in line to cast your vote. If the lines concern you, you can also look into voting early in-person at designated county-run polling locations.

The National MS Society has a webpage that can help you answer some of the questions and direct you to resources about your particular state.

5. How does the magnitude of the November 3, 2020, election compare to past Presidential elections?

It can certainly feel bigger this year. There are a number of issues converging over the last few months including COVID-19 and related worries about the economy, the continued threat of the virus spreading in communities and how people can stay healthy. The election also comes amidst growing attention and movement towards racial equity. And we are at a point where our two-party political system has become very polarized, and it can feel like it’s less about the issues and more about the political parties. Then you add to that cable news and social media – both of which are constantly looking for new information. We are in a 24 hour news cycle that didn’t exist just a few years ago.

6. People can gather their news from countless media. What resources does the National MS Society offer or recommend that will help people find credible information about candidates and ballot issues?  

I suggest two rules to follow for getting credible information. First, get your information from more than one news source. This helps you make sure you can weed out biased information. If a news source only discusses one candidate or is only negative about one candidate (over a period of time), it’s probably a biased source, and you should look for something different. Second, don’t rely on social media for credible information. Even shares are from people you trust. People mean well, but often don’t vet information or articles that they forward or share. The National MS Society is also a great resource – we have information available on our website about the latest breaking news, actions taken by Congress, and executive orders signed by the President and what they mean for people living with MS.

Vote411.org was launched by the League of Women Voters Education Fund in 2006 and can be a comprehensive source for election information. The site provides nonpartisan information, including candidate statements and information on ballot issues. For more information on voting rights and ballot information we partner with non-profit vote and they have a great interactive map to help you find state specific information.

7. What is the best advice you ever received about knowing how to choose the right candidate?

Figure out what’s most important to you from a candidate and how the candidate will act on the issues you care the most about.