Who represents you matters. Elected officials at the federal, state, and local levels make decisions that can affect health care, disability services, education, community supports, and research funding for people living with Fragile X and their families.
Learning about candidates and understanding their priorities are ways to use your voice. As the 2026 election season continues, these resources can help you prepare.
Get Ready to Vote and Know Who Represents You
Whether you are preparing to vote, helping a family member explore voting, or learning about accessible voting options, these resources can help you get started.
- Vote.gov: Connects you to your state’s official election website, where you can find information on registering to vote, checking your registration status, and learning about voting options.
- Find and Contact Elected Officials: Identify your federal, state, and local elected officials. (USA.gov)
- Voting Accessibility: Information and resources to help people with disabilities access the voting process. (U.S. Election Assistance Commission)
- Can I Vote: Find your state’s official election website to check voter registration, find polling locations, and learn about voting options. (National Association of Secretaries of State)
What Is a Constituent, and Why Does It Matter?
A constituent is someone who lives in the area an elected official represents. Where you live determines which U.S. Representative and Senators represent you, as well as which state and local officials serve your community.
Voting helps determine who represents you, and as a constituent, you can educate elected officials about Fragile X by telling them, “I live in your district, and this issue affects me, my family, or my community.” Knowing you are one of their constituents holds weight. Your experience matters whether you voted for that official or not.
During National Fragile X Foundation (NFXF) Advocacy Day, advocates meet with congressional offices to share their experiences and discuss issues affecting the Fragile X community. These conversations help decision-makers understand the needs of individuals and families and why their support matters.
Learn About the Candidates and the Issues
Your ballot may include candidates for Congress, state legislators, governors, county officials, mayors, city councils, and school boards. Each office has different responsibilities, so consider which issues an elected official can influence.
Use multiple sources to learn about candidates and their positions. No single source covers every race or issue.
- VOTE411: Nonpartisan candidate information and responses to questions about community issues.
- Ballotpedia: Information about elections, candidates, elected offices, and ballot measures.
- Candidate campaign websites and public statements share candidates’ priorities, proposals, and positions.
- Candidate forums, debates, interviews, and public records can offer additional perspectives on a candidate’s views and past actions.
As you review information, consider who is providing it, whether it reflects the candidate’s own words, and whether other sources offer additional context.
Questions to Consider
You don’t have to be an advocacy expert to ask questions or learn where candidates stand. Questions to consider might include:
- What issues matter most to my family and me? Consider Fragile X research funding, health care, disability services, education, community living, and caregiver support.
- What responsibilities come with this office? Consider which policies and programs the position can influence at the federal, state, or local level.
- What are the candidate’s priorities and plans? Review their statements, past actions, and proposals, and ask what steps they would take if elected.
- How could their decisions affect the Fragile X and broader disability communities? Consider the potential impact on individuals, families, and the supports available in their communities.
Use your research to inform follow-up questions you can ask at a candidate forum or send by phone or email to the candidate’s campaign. Start with what matters most to you and your family.
Looking Ahead: A New Congress Means a New Opportunity to Educate
Beginning in January 2027, a new Congress will take office, with many new members. This transition creates an important opportunity to introduce the new class to Fragile X-associated conditions and explain why their support matters to you, your family, and our community.
As these members of Congress learn about their constituents and the issues before Congress, sharing your experience can help them understand the needs of individuals and families, the importance of continued research funding, and the role of federal policies in supporting people with disabilities across the lifespan.
Advocacy Continues Beyond Election Day
Voting is one part of advocacy. The relationship between constituents and elected officials continues after the election through conversations, questions, and ongoing engagement on policies that affect individuals and families.
As we prepare for this new Congress, our next Advocacy Day, and beyond, understanding who represents you and how to connect with those offices are important first steps. Your voice helps decision-makers understand what matters to the Fragile X community.
The NFXF will continue to lead Fragile X advocacy at the federal level, working with our community to educate members of Congress and advocate for policies and research funding that address the needs of people living with Fragile X across the lifespan and associated conditions.
Related Resources
- Voting with a disability (Vote.gov)
- Find your voting location (United States Election Assistance Commission)
- Register to vote (Vote.gov)
- Preparing to Vote: Age 18 and Under (Vote.gov)
