Ted Kennedy, Jr. knows what’s at stake in this election:

“We need to vote as if our lives depend on it. Because for many New Mexicans, their lives DO depend on it."

Kennedy, a nationally recognized advocate for people with disabilities and son of the legendary Senator Ted Kennedy, came to New Mexico this week to support President Barack Obama’s re-election bid and encourage early voting.

In Santa Fe, he led grassroots supporters—singing grassroots supporters—to the county clerk’s office to vote early. On the Santa Clara Pueblo, Mr. Kennedy met with tribal leaders. In Espanola, people danced before he and Congressman Martin Heinrich spoke to the standing room only crowd at a local community center. And at his final stop—in Albuquerque—his call to action brought the audience to its feet.

To Kennedy, it’s more than the beautiful landscapes that keep his family coming back to the Land of Enchantment—it’s the state’s diverse and wonderful people and a shared belief in access to opportunity for all. For Kennedy, it's people like Yvonne from Albuquerque who make the New Mexico so special.

Yvonne, who attended the Albuquerque rally, is every bit as passionate as Mr. Kennedy when it comes to the importance of re-electing President Obama. In 2008, she voted for the first time in her life after hearing then-Senator Barack Obama speak at the University of New Mexico.

"When I heard Obama speak, I said this is my man, this is going to be my President… The way he speaks, he’s speaking to me."

Ted Kennedy, Jr. is fighting to re-elect President Obama. With just 26 days left, can you help? Sign up to volunteer at http://ofa.bo/nmvolunteer.