It’s the time of year that you can’t stop at a red light without avoiding the bright signs plastered at each intersection. And don’t even get me started on the TV commercials. This may seem overly obnoxious, but before you discount the propaganda, consider that your vote in this election helps decide issues that impact you and your community.
Election Day is right around the corner – wait, stay with me! Yes mama, this message is for you. I’m not going to get all political, but we need to have a bit of a heart-to-heart about something that doesn’t exactly top your busy-mom to-do list. This November, it’s important that you vote. While you may not think your voice matters, without a doubt, YOUR VOICE DOES MATTER.
It’s called a midterm election because it’s midway through the presidential term where we elect all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representative and 35 of the 100 seats in the U.S. Senate. Even though we’re not voting for president, midterm elections are extremely important. Our votes will also determine things like who will run our local school boards and if our school districts receive additional support though bonds and overrides. Your ballot will also have candidates for Governor, local officials for state legislature as well as a number of ballot initiatives that impact education, environment and the economy right here in our own backyard.
Each year, many races are decided by a narrow margin which means if you like the way things are, vote to keep current officials in office. Are you thinking, ‘not so much?’ Then vote for a change. Either way, it’s a privilege and a right under the 19th Amendment and one that mamas (women) didn’t always have.
Still not convinced? Consider that one of the most important lessons you will teach your child is how to exercise their civic responsibility. The future of our democracy (you know, the one we’ll turn over to all those little people someday) is depending on us to rise-up and make our mom-voice heard. Our kids are watching and learning from what we do and the best way to ensure they’ll take the lesson to heart is to make sure it is habitual.
Convinced yet? If so, make sure you’ve taken the first step by registering to vote. The deadline to register for the upcoming election is Tuesday, Oct. 9. It’s quick and easy to register HERE.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 6. If you’re already registered and have requested an early ballot, that’s awesome, but don’t forget to put it in the mail so it arrives by Election Day. Ballots that arrive after Election Day will not be counted. You can always drop your ballot at a polling place, or if you didn’t request an early ballot, go ahead and vote at your local polling place…and even get a sticker! Find your polling place HERE.
You’ll never regret taking a quick moment to become more engaged in our community by making your voice heard! Happy voting!
