Wake up everyone! November 6th is right around the corner, which means that we’re getting ready for the Midterm Election. This means getting ourselves to our nearest polling places or sending in our absentee ballots if we’re voting out of state. It also means research, research, research! Research the candidates in your area so you enter your polling place informed! The importance of voting CANNOT be stressed enough. It’s the reason why we have a democracy – so the voice of the people can be represented.
It is especially important that women show up to vote. Making up 51% of the world’s population, our voice matters. Here are 5 reasons why you shouldn’t skip out on Election Day.
1. Women couldn’t always vote!
Women in the early 20th century protested, went to prison, fasted and faced violence so that almost 100 years later we could enjoy this right without thinking twice about it. They understood the importance of the people’s voice in the crafting of the government. To vote is to show respect to your ancestors who fought hard to make it a reality.
2. It’s within your control
It can be extremely discouraging to read the news these days. Climate change, mass shootings – it’s not uncommon to feel helpless when reading about these things and thinking to yourself “What can I possibly do?” But that’s where voting comes in! By voting, you can enact change. It’s one small thing you can do that has the potential to make a huge difference.
3. Senators and congress affect decisions made by our president…
…like Judge Kavanaugh becoming a Supreme Court Justice, for example. This decision rolled through because our Senate voted positively for it. Midterm elections are just as important as presidential elections because they elect people who may have the final say in decisions like this one. As both a woman and a citizen of the country, you want the people who are going to have a say in these decisions to reflect your thoughts. By voting, there is a better chance of this happening.
4. Our reproductive rights are under attack
One of the most important reasons that women need to vote in 2018 is because recent debates involve women’s reproductive rights. This is something that directly affects us, and something that, by voting for officials we stand with, we have the ability to change.
This is an issue that needs the support of more women. When researching your candidates, make sure you find out where they stand on issues (like this) that directly concern you, as well as other issues that you think are important. I can’t stress just how important it is that we all use our votes to make our voices heard. Which leads me to my next point…
5. Women are under-represented by elected officials
As of right now, the number of men holding office positions far outnumbers the number of women. Because of this, the need for our opinions in the polls is even more dire. We have to stand up for ourselves and for our beliefs, and voting is a way to do that!
Good luck on November 6th!