The decisions made by the people we elect determine our daily lives. Who will be in charge of our schools? How will our roads be maintained? What policies will help us with access to health care and jobs? What laws will impact crime prevention and gun safety? These are just a few of the important issues that are decided by our elected officials at the local, county, state and federal levels. By voting and encouraging others to vote, we can make sure our voices are heard.
Many groups and individuals endured immense hardship and discrimination to secure our right to vote. When they fought to give us this right, they did so with the belief that it was an honor and responsibility that we should take seriously. We should honor their legacy by recognizing the importance of voting and the benefits that it brings to our communities.
When voters participate in elections, they become more aware of political issues and policies that affect them. This civic engagement can inspire people to join community organizations and engage in activism, helping to drive positive change.
Voting is essential for a democracy, and it should be accessible to all citizens. Yet voting rights continue to be under attack in states that were previously covered by Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act (VRA). New barriers include voter ID requirements, restrictive registration deadlines, and gerrymandering—the practice of drawing district boundaries to unfairly advantage one party over another. We must continue to fight against these undemocratic restrictions and demand that our government protects the right to vote for all Americans.