On March 17th the state of Ohio will vote in the Presidential primary. This is your chance to use your voice and vote for the candidate that you feel will best represent your political interests in the Presidential race. American citizens are born with the inherent right to vote, something that should never be taken for granted. There are still countries today that deal with unfair elections and citizens still need to fight for their voices to be heard. As young Americans, the people who are voted into office are going to make very real decisions that will impact our future, and if you use your voice and vote you can have a say in those decisions!
“I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.” – Audre Lorde
2020 marks 100 years of women in America being able to vote. Women were legally granted the right to vote nationally in 1920. Women in America fought for the right to vote not only for themselves but for the women of the future. As a female voter, you should not only use your voice to represent yourself but represent the women in other countries who are still fighting for the same rights that American women earned a century ago. There are still countries in today’s world where women are protested at the polls and threatened with violence for voting. Some countries require women to gain permission from their husbands or guardians to vote, while in other countries women have to travel (often walk) long distances to vote. Even though America still struggles with many patriarchial issues, women in America have the ability to push boundaries, voice their opinions, call out misogynistic issues and vote against policies and politicians that attack our rights. American women are represented across the world, and as young female voters, we need to exercise our right to vote and recognize our privilege that we have to aid women who don’t have the same rights.
“Women, 18 to 118, when it is time to vote, please do so in your self-interest. It’s what men have been doing for years, which is why the world looks so much like them.” – Michelle Williams
President Trump has also made it harder for women to access birth control, and receive insurance-covered contraception. The Trump Administration dissolved an Obama era legislation that ensured women were provided insurance that covered contraception by their employers, but under the new law, organizations, businesses and universities are able to deny women insurance that covers birth control based on religious beliefs. This policy was blocked in federal court in many states.
These issues are proof that the female vote is more essential than ever. Not only do these issues affect all women, but especially low-income women. Regardless of personal beliefs, it has been proven throughout history that banning access to legal and safe abortions will hurt women. Not providing access to affordable contraception will hurt women. These issues are a part of our rights as women and voting and using your voice can help defend these rights. Women need to look at this election and vote in their self-interest and choose a politician that they feel will best protect their rights and represent them in the White House. President Trump is basically running uncontested in the Republican Presidential primary, so going out and voting is very important in this election. Even if you are not registered to vote for the Primary election, you still have time to register for the Presidential election. The last day to register to vote for the 2020 election is October 3, 2020. Register here!
“Neither the chains of dictatorship nor the fetters of oppression can keep down the forces of freedom for long.” – Angela Merkel
