When I was young I remember being so excited to have the day off of school for elections, even though I didn’t fully understand what that meant. I loved going to the middle school with my parents, because hello, it was a middle school and seeing them with their “I Voted” stickers, because I loved stickers and thought it was just so neat that you could go and do something to get a free one.
The first set of elections I really remember I was in second or third grade, and people started talking about Obama and Sarah Palin. I didn’t know what the issues were. I didn’t know the difference between a Democrat and a Republican – my dad craftily told me to tell people I was an independent (no party affiliation), because I was being asked so often at school. Retrospectively, I think this really helped me to form my own views, and not be swayed by identifying with one party or the other before knowing what they stood for. Thanks, Dad!
But all of that aside, when I turned 18, I couldn’t wait to register to vote. Advocating for healthcare issues as a chronically ill and disabled constituent is inescapably political. I mean, just look at what my friend, Shira Strongin, has done on Capitol Hill for these communities!
I, like so many others, find myself frustrated by politics.
Not in an “I disagree with you” way, but in a “please, listen because people are dying” way… and sadly I find more and more people are starting to fall into this category as well, as not only does this sentiment cover healthcare, but also gun control. And so much more.
I am not here to tell you what to believe in or who to vote for.
I am here telling you, begging you, to do your research.
Learn about the issues. Find candidates who you feel best represent your views. It’s okay if that candidate isn’t affiliated with the party you always vote for or the party you expect to vote for. Find the candidates who will push for the change you believe needs to happen.
And after you’ve done the research?
Go out and vote.
Do it through an absentee ballot. Do it in person. Vote early! Whatever you have to do to make it work. If you are registered to vote, vote. If you aren’t sure if you’re eligible, don’t just sit on the sidelines. Find out if you can vote. Find out if you can still register, in the event that you are eligible and haven’t already.
Registering to vote is so easy, and can be done right here! Information regarding if there is still time to register and state by state voting policies can be found here.
Show up to the polls and let your voice be heard.
This is how we make the change we crave. If we don’t show up in November, we’re only hurting ourselves.
As the daughter of educators with younger siblings still in the public school system, I am terrified every time I hear there has been a school shooting. Just this morning, I woke up to news that there was a shooting in the neighborhood my dad had grown up in. In an area where family members still reside. My immediate reaction was to start sobbing. I couldn’t bear it. As I watched the news, I reminded myself that November is coming. That this is an issue I have feelings about, and I will be making sure my vote is going to candidates who share my views and fight for the legislation I believe needs to be put in place.
I care about what is happening in politics because it effects my everyday life. It effects yours too! I have no reason not to vote – it allows me to voice these feelings I have and create change.
Your vote matters.
So use it. Make it matter. Remember that you were given this right for a reason. People fought for you to have this right. They put their lives on the line, because that is how important they felt it was for your voice to be heard. On November sixth, I hope you exercise your right to vote. I hope you fulfill your civic duty. And I hope you support the candidates you feel best represent you and your needs.
Can’t vote or don’t live in the US?
My good friend Julia wrote a great post on How to Be an Active Citizen, that I believe transcends any border – man-made or otherwise.
Have a say in your future. After all, this is about you! Join the conversation.
See you at the polls on November sixth! Let’s rock the vote.
