Voting Evangelists (7/2/23)
Independence Day is a celebration of the United States Declaration of Independence and the values of freedom, liberty, and self-governance upon which the nation was founded. It serves as a poignant reminder that the concept of freedom is not a static or guaranteed state, but a continuous pursuit that requires active participation from its citizens. Simply put, democracy is not a spectator sport.
If we needed a reminder of the importance of voting in every election -- and voting for Democrats even if we are not in love with them, we got it this week, in an end-of-term gut punch from the Supreme Court. Judd Legum wrote: "To recap: Supreme Court justices nominated by a president who lost the popular vote and confirmed by Senators representing far less than half the country have eliminated abortion rights, green-lighted anti-LGBTQ discrimination, and ended affirmative action. In one year."
In the wake of these decisions and the concerted effort of GOP state legislatures to curtail rights fought for over decades, we need to recognize that freedom is on the ballot and the choices we make through our democratic processes directly impact the preservation and advancement of our freedoms. By exercising our right to vote, we actively contribute to shaping the future of our nation and ensuring that the principles of freedom are upheld. Our votes are our voices, and it is disappointing when turnout is low as it was in NY’s Democratic primary elections this week. The outstanding candidates we have started to meet who will be on the ballot in November need everyone to be engaged. We can't let the other side take advantage because we don't show up.
In this context, becoming voting evangelists means passionately advocating for the importance of voting and encouraging others to exercise their right to vote as well. It entails spreading awareness about the significance of participating in the democratic process, educating individuals about the issues at stake, and inspiring them to take an active role in shaping their communities and country. Every interaction you have is an opportunity to save democracy.
We must passionately promote the belief that voting is an essential duty and privilege of every citizen. Let’s emphasize that our votes have the power to influence policies, elect representatives who align with our values, and drive positive change in society.
By tying the July 4th holiday to the idea of becoming voting evangelists, we connect the celebration of independence and freedom with the responsibility of actively participating in the democratic process. We honor the sacrifices made by all those who fought for freedom by actively engaging in the democratic ideals they championed. We must spread the word that local elections matter as they are the cornerstone of democracy and that we must vote every opportunity we get. Everyone needs to be engaged in this work as a practice. Choose your own adventure, whether that is postcarding, texting, canvassing, donating, phone banking, or some other form of activism.
Ultimately, by embracing the spirit of being voting evangelists, we empower ourselves and others to exercise our democratic rights and collectively shape the future of our nation in a manner that upholds the principles of freedom, equality, and justice for all.
One word about anger. Many of us were full of rage at last week's decisions of the Supreme Court. Dahlia Lithwick wrote: "The way you're feeling about the Supreme Court today? Hang onto that. The 6 smash and grab justices are hoping the outrage jets off after the weekend." In an oft-quoted passage from "A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeleine L'Engle, Meg is told: "Stay angry, little Meg. You will need all your anger now." We need to hang onto our anger and channel it into activism and the most powerful blue wave yet at the polls this and next November.