Vote!

The 2004 election was the first election I felt really invested in. It was Bush vs. Kerry, and I can't tell you today what issues were significant in the election outside of the Iraq War (Second Gulf War). What I do remember, though, is that it was the first election where we all went to bed not knowing who would be president. Now, it's sort of become the norm. Then, it was completely nerve-wracking and deeply unsettling. Of course, it still is for many of us today, so before I say anything else - take care of your mental health this Election Day!

These feelings would go good with pie.

It was after the 2004 election that I became more politically active, and 2007 when I started registering voters and organizing volunteers in Pinellas County, FL. When I think about what moved me to action, it's very much about my journey with healthy boundaries. I wanted a say in my future. I wanted laws and lawmakers to reflect me and my experiences. And I wanted to help people whose voices have been silenced and whose engagement has been suppressed. I truly believed then, as I do now, that one of the most powerful ways to create a world where we all have the chance to thrive is to vote.

Voting is one surefire way to enforce your boundaries. Don't like feeling like you have to go to work sick? Vote for paid sick leave. Want to see a therapist but can't afford it? Vote for mental health parity. Hate your long commute and your city's lack of parking? Vote for public transit. Wish we didn't have be suffering through a time change? Vote for permanent daylight savings time (or legislators who support it). These are just a handful of examples of understanding your own needs and how your choices are dictated by the law and lawmakers.

Axios, Map of states with permanent daylight savings time upon federal approval (data from NCSL)

This election, and every election, you get a voice in what choices are available to you and the people that matter to you. Elections are the time to make a statement about what you need to support your physical, mental, emotional, and financial wellbeing - whether its access to reproductive healthcare, affordable housing, quality education for your children, parks and playgrounds, health insurance, public transit, quality jobs…and the list goes on. And just like in our interpersonal relationships, we don't always get what we want, but we are better for having voiced it.

Today's banner quote is from Rep. John Lewis's last essay before his death, Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation. I chose this quote because we are all here on Election Day standing up for what we believe in. With each election, we’re reminded of how the choices we make influence our well-being, shape our identities, and affect how we connect in an increasingly divided political climate.

Boundaries Involved

More so than any other type of boundary, it's important to call attention today to the boundary of identity. Especially in our current political climate, our voting choices can feel deeply tied to who we are as individuals and as part of groups (communities). Social and political issues, from healthcare to equity to environmental justice, are intensely personal, but they are also the tie that binds us into groups, which can make it challenging to connect across differing perspectives, or to even want to try.

When we vote, we’re defining our values and setting boundaries around the issues we care most about. Navigating relationships during an election season can mean learning to set boundaries with family, friends, or colleagues to protect our mental health and maintain respectful, open dialogue. As we advocate for a particular outcome or viewpoint, we’re also called to practice empathy and recognize that each vote represents a person’s experiences, values, and fears. As difficult as it may be, try to keep this in mind as we see today's outcomes.

Ballotpedia, Map of states with ballot initiatives or referendums

Important Policies

One of the most powerful ways that we can express our collective voice on issues is through ballot initiatives and referendums. These are tools for voters to either get a constitutional amendment or statute on the ballot, or to decide whether to uphold or repeal an enacted law, and then voters get to decide when they cast their ballot.

This year, there are some important initiatives and referendums, and if you live in one of these jurisdictions, make sure you understand what's at stake. Learn more about health and the election: KFF Election 2024.

Examples of health issues being decided by ballot initiative or referendum in 2024

Organizational Support for Civic Engagement

Many organizations are recognizing that supporting civic participation aligns with a commitment to employee well-being and societal impact. Policies that encourage voting and volunteering can play a major role in setting a culture that values civic engagement and respects employees’ roles as active citizens. Companies that offer paid time off to vote, organize volunteer days, or even engage in nonpartisan get-out-the-vote efforts are helping employees feel empowered and engaged.

A case study by the Civic Responsibility Project found that supporting civic engagement - including voting - is good for business and improves employee satisfaction. However, only 22 states require paid time off for voting, and only 29% of employees report that their company has a voting leave policy. Thankfully, corporate support for civic engagement is on the rise, and many organizations are beginning to prioritize these policies, recognizing that they are integral to a more resilient and committed workforce.

Movement Advancement Project. "Election Day Holidays and Paid Time Off to Vote."

Understanding Impact

We are all impacted today! Every vote matters, and every voice counts. Decisions today will impact women, people with lower incomes, people experiencing housing instability and homelessness, families, people seeking jobs, and people experiencing health disparities, among many other groups and intersecting identities.

Taking Action

The most important action you can take today is to VOTE! If you've already voted, make sure your friends and family members have, too.

There are also two other important ways to act today:

🗳️ If you are in line, stay in line, and don't leave a polling location without casting your ballot. Voters sometimes experience issues with their form of ID, their polling location, or outdated registration information. No matter what issues you encounter, you can call or text 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) to get assistance.

⏳ Remember (and share with others) that Election Day isn't Results Day. We may very well go to sleep tonight not knowing who the president will be. Manage your expectations and be patient. Some states have up to two weeks to certify election results (see this state-by-state guide).

Election Protection, 866-OUR-VOTE

Your vote is the key to shaping the conditions that will help you and your loved ones to live the life you want to live. From healthcare to jobs, every decision starts with you showing up at the ballot box.