Lakeview man, 71, achieves lifelong dream of being registered voter and hopes he’ll inspire others – NOLA.com

Born with severe cerebral palsy, 71-year-old Clark Borden, of Lakeview, has endured numerous surgeries and a pervasive pain thats intensified with age. But he refused to let his illness stop him from achieving a longtime dream: becoming a registered voter.

On Sept. 28, Borden propped on crutches, with swollen feet cushioned only in socks because they no longer fit inside his shoes climbed the ramp at the Algiers Courthouse. Three of his siblings and his great-niece helped him along the way. Minutes after entering the Registrar of Voters Office, an emotional Borden emerged as a registered voter.

It was time, said Borden, the sixth in a family of 13 children.

Speaking is difficult for Borden, but his sister, Susan Massenburg, elaborated on the momentous occasion in an email.

During a recent discussion of the pending election, I asked Clark if he had ever thought of registering to vote, Massenburg wrote. He told me that he had, and that it was something that he had always wanted to do. With that, my siblings and I embarked on a journey to make it happen.

Bordens sister, Marilyn Ford, said in a phone call that the upcoming presidential election and the critical issues surrounding it also served as a catalyst.

Clark Borden in his commemorative photo as a newly registered voter.

He sees things going on in the world today and he really wanted to be a part of the voting experience, Ford said. He loved being at the courthouse and being able to finally do this. It was a very fun-filled day, really.

Because of his physical disabilities, Borden has been denied access to both everyday and extraordinary opportunities, stretching all the way back to elementary school, said Ford.

I remember him telling me a story of how he wanted to be in the Christmas play, but the teachers wouldn't allow it because they thought he would fall and hurt himself, she said. My mom took him to see the other kids perform, but he wanted to be a part of it. And that just never happened for him. And every time Christmas comes around, he tells me the story. It's really sad.

Ford and her family have tried to help Borden experience the world as much as he can. They recently took a road trip to Atlanta, she said.

It was a good road trip, too. We really enjoyed it. We've been to a couple of other places, said Ford, noting that because Borden also suffers from crippling arthritis in addition to cerebral palsy those excursions have become challenging.

We're just taking it one step and one day at a time, said Ford.

For now, Borden is savoring his most recent milestone becoming a registered voter and is looking forward to casting his ballot for the presidential election.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, polling places for federal elections must be accessible to the elderly and people with disabilities. If one is not available, voters must be provided an alternate means of voting on Election Day.

Clark will mail in his ballot.

Regardless of the logistics, Massenburg hopes his efforts inspire others who feel apathetic about voting.

Many who do not realize the importance of voting, or do not exercise their right, citing that their one vote does not count, should take a look at my brother, she wrote. Clark is a great example to us all. He has not allowed his handicap to handicap him in any way.

VOTING INFORMATION:

EARLY VOTING: Early voting takes place from Oct. 16 through Oct. 27 (excluding Sundays) from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. To find early voting locations, visit: voterportal.sos.la.gov/earlyvoting

REQUEST DEADLINE: The deadline to request an absentee by mail ballot is Oct. 30 by 4:30 p.m. You can request an absentee by mail ballot online or in writing.

MUST BE RECEIVED: The deadline for a registrar of voters to receive a mail ballot is Nov. 2 by 4:30 p.m. (other than military and overseas voters).

ELECTION DAY: To vote in-person on Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 3), bring a Louisiana driver's license, or an ID with a signature, to a polling location. The polls operate from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

GET HELP: Voters who need help finding their polling location can call (504) 658-8300 or use the Louisiana voter portal at voterportal.sos.la.gov.

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Lakeview man, 71, achieves lifelong dream of being registered voter and hopes he'll inspire others - NOLA.com