95-year-old Beth Lamont has an important message, and Maricopa County is listening

Phoenix, Arizona: As Beth Lamont approaches her 95th birthday, she emphasizes the crucial importance of senior voters in shaping the future. "Our wisdom, the wisdom of Elders, is so very, very important," Lamont says. "Our lifetime experiences are invaluable because we are the ones who created the nation where we came from."

However, many seniors face transportation and accessibility challenges that can impede their ability to vote. Recognizing this, outreach teams from Maricopa County Elections and the Recorder's Office have been proactive in addressing these issues. They hold tabling events at senior living facilities like McDow Village to ensure seniors have the opportunity to participate in the electoral process.

"We understand that many seniors can't come to our events, so we go to them," said Angelica Bland, outreach coordinator, Maricopa County Elections. "Whether it's senior homes or community events, we want to make sure every voter has access to the information they need."

During these events, election workers help seniors register to vote for the upcoming general election. They also provide essential information about the primary election and bring samples of large-scale and Braille ballots to assist those with visual impairments. For seniors and those with disabilities, a bipartisan team can even visit their bedside to ensure their votes are counted.

One heartwarming story emerged during these efforts. "A young lady told us she was very afraid she wouldn't be able to vote this time, but she's been voting since John F Kennedy," shared Monica Murray, Special Elections Board Supervisor. "To hear her story and know she thought she couldn't vote, and then to be able to provide that service – I don't know who was more excited, them for voting or us for helping."

Lamont has a simple yet powerful message for her fellow seniors: "Do it. You got to vote. Got to vote, got to vote, got to vote."