No Matter Your ReasonVote Early or on November 8
I’ve been asked a lot over these past few weeks why this election matters more than others--or to paraphrase the root question received from students, colleagues, neighbors, friends, and even family, “Why should I vote this time?
Being a list maker, I made one that I hope answers why voting this go-around is so critical to our current experience and future welfare as individuals, as well as that of our families, our students, our state, and our country.
This election is important because:
1. High quality, accessible K-16 public education matters.
2. Student needs matter.
3. Workers and working conditions matter.
4. Voting rights matter.
5. Affordable, high-quality healthcare matters.
6. Control over one’s body matters.
7. Science matters.
8. The planet matters.
9. Fairness, equity, and access matter.
10. Knowledge, honesty, and integrity matter.
11. The truth matters.
12. Justice matters.
There are bound to be issues that keep you up at night that are not on my list, further illustrating that the issues are numerous and the challenges great at this point in history.
I firmly believe, however, that no matter what’s on our lists, it all boils down to this:
A. People matter.
B. Our voices matter. And, as our voice,
C. Voting matters. Our democracy, in fact, depends upon it.
So, no matter your list, no matter what motivates you, please educate yourself on where the candidates stand on issues that matter to you (a link to YSA's non-partisan Voter Guide is provided below), make sure to vote before polls close on Election Day November 8th, and encourage your peers, neighbors, friends, and family members to do the same.
Democracy is not a spectator sport. Hope to see you in the game at the polls!
Kind Regards, Local 212 President Lisa Conley
Non-partisan Voter Guides from Youth Service America
Access information on when, where, and how to vote HERE
How you vote is a private matter. However, you can review Local 212 COPE’s endorsed candidates HERE
