Use your voice to create the future you want

In the United States election season is upon us.

November 8, Election Day, is two weeks away, but voting has already begun in many places — with mail-in voting and in-person early voting.

We each have an important opportunity to have our voices heard. Whether we choose to vote now, or on Election day, the important thing is to be sure you exercise this precious right.

In addition to being a “civic duty” — which I take very seriously — I believe there is another big reason to vote.

When you live big you use your voice

When you speak your truth rather than staying silent (for fear of being judged, or because you feel intimidated, or because you fear you are not smart enough or not good enough, or any other reason) you live big in an important way.

If, instead, you stay silent, we miss becoming aware of the meaningful contribution that you, and only you, can make.

Whether you use your voice in a quiet conversation or shouting from the rooftops, your voice matters.

And voting each November offers you a special way to use your voice.

Use your voice and step into your power

Using your voice gives you influence.

That influence may be small — or may seem small in the moment — but it is important.

And we often have much more influence (on situations, on people around us, and on broader forces in the world) than we are aware of in the moment.

That is powerful.

When each of us votes, we have individual and collective power.

We need your voice now

We have all heard about people who are tuned out, or think their vote doesn’t really matter, or say it’s too hard to figure out the issues or get to the polls.

The truth that when we make a small effort, we can each cast our vote and make our claim for the leaders we believe will work to shape the world we want to live in.

Our votes can protect and restore rights that matter to us — the rights of women are especially imperiled now, and many other rights are also in danger.

Our votes will impact policies to turn around climate change, that threatens us now and is crucial for our future.

Our votes will impact policies to improve the quality of life for countless people who are underserved and needy.

Our votes can support education free from censorship.

Our votes can help right the wrongs of racial injustice, and ensure the future rights of all people to equal treatment under the law, and their rights to vote without unjust barriers.

From the local level to the national level, our votes in this election truly matter in countless ways.

Let’s all be heard

If you don’t yet know where or how you can vote, or what is on your local ballot, check it out now.

Find good, neutral, accurate sources for information about candidates and questions on the ballot rather than listening to the distorted hype — on all sides of every issue and characterization of candidates — being pedaled on commercials and in social media.

Which candidates and what ballot questions match your values and your vision for the future?

I envision people young and old, people of all races and gender identification, all socio-economic standing, all religions and ethnicities, living in a society that values freedom, equality, human rights, and a protected and restored environment.

I hope you will join me in voting for that future.