What’s all this hype about voting?

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By Hilleary Reinhardt

Not sure if you heard (totally kidding), we are in the midst of the 2020 November elections. I know most of the focus is around the Presidential Election, but there are many other local elections happening in your community that are just as important. Sometimes it can feel as if your voice does not matter (I am right there with you), but guess what, YOUR VOICE MATTERS. The more of us that vote means better representation, more community funding, and a better quality of life. Voting is more than just electing a candidate. It is about choosing  policies and people who have your best interests in mind when making decisions that will affect you, our community, our state, and our country. 

Sometimes it helps spark some excitement to hear why others vote. I asked the Chrysalis staff why they vote and why voting is important to them. Here are some of their responses:

  • I vote to thank those before us who were unable to vote and risked their lives so that we may have this opportunity. -Anonymous 
  • I vote to be a part of the solution.-Alysha 
  • I vote to be a voice for those who cannot vote due to immigration status or legal involvement. -Hilleary
  • I vote because it is my chance to choose how my tax dollars are spent. -Anonymous
  • I vote because it matters and as a way of participating as a citizen of my country. -Kathy
  • I vote because I have hope that policies can change to support the needs of the community. I vote because your life, your family’s lives, and our collective future depends on it and I believe that change is possible. -Julia
  • I vote to share my voice and be part of the change. I see a lot of big issues within our current systems and throughout our Country. I also see a lot of important civil liberties that are in place that I want to remain in place. Voting is one way to advocate for my values and share my concerns. -Dani 

This year we will cast our votes absentee, in person early, or in person on November 3. However you choose to cast your vote, thank you for practicing your right to vote in a way that is safe for you to do so. If you are still unsure if you are going to vote in this upcoming election, I encourage you to take into consideration the importance of your vote and make a plan to vote in a way that is safe for you. You can find additional information on how to register, where to vote and what your ballot will look like at myvote.wi.gov.

However you vote and for whoever/whatever you vote, please vote.