**Floyd Morris urges persons with disabilities to let their voices be heard via ballot boxes**
*Published: Friday, November 15, 2024*
*By: Jamaica Observer* ([jamaicaobserver.com][1])
**KINGSTON, Jamaica** – International advocate for the rights of people living with disabilities, Jamaica’s Professor Floyd Morris, is urging members of the disabled community and their immediate family members to vote for candidates who will look out for their interests.
Addressing the Multi-regional Global Disability Pre‑Summit in Amman, Jordan, on Thursday, Morris—who also serves as the Opposition People’s National Party’s spokesman on housing and sustainable living—highlighted the estimated **1.3 billion people living with disabilities worldwide**.
He pointed out that each person with a disability typically has at least two immediate family members, forming a powerful voting bloc.
According to Morris, people with disabilities must now exercise their right to vote and participate in political and public life to influence decision‑making processes. He stated:
> “If you are not going to look out for our interests then you are not going to get our vote… politics is a numbers game and politicians pay attention to numbers.” ([jamaicaobserver.com][1])
He added:
> “So I believe if we adopt that approach globally and exercise our right to vote… we will see meaningful change.” ([jamaicaobserver.com][1])
The Multi‑regional Global Disability Pre‑Summit was intended to facilitate the exchange of expertise and experiences to improve the lives of persons with disabilities in all areas and support impactful commitments in preparation for the **2025 Global Disability Summit in Berlin this April**. It was co‑organised by Jordan, Germany, and the International Disability Alliance and attended by ministers, ambassadors, representatives from international organisations, government agencies, civil society institutions, academics, experts, disability rights activists, and organisations of persons with disabilities.