deVOTEd Reflection
I was recently honored to take part in the #deVOTEdChallenge to share in social media video why I am deVOTEd to showing up for the 2020 election and encourage other women to do the same.
I shared that I've voted in every single election -- primaries, specials and generals -- since I was eligible to vote. I turned 18 in Dec. 1998 and I remember clearly the heated Nov. 1999 Michigan gubernatorial election in Michigan between then-Gov. John Engler and the Democratic challenger (and former Jack Kevorkian attorney!) Geoffrey Fieger. Fieger lost solidly to Engler. The next year, when I could actually vote, it was not a year with an exciting governor's race or presidential race -- but I still researched my options and voted. People who know me may be surprised that I pulled a Republican ballot in the 2002 presidential primary in Michigan to vote for the late Sen. John McCain.
Fast forward a few years and I'm much more involved. I've volunteered for candidates locally, and on the state and federal levels. I've hosted fundraisers and meet-the-candidate nights, canvassed, lit dropped, written hundreds of postcards, made calls and sent texts, and donated. In 2019, ran for office myself. I didn't win but wow what an incredible and exhausting experience!
I believe my voice counts and know that voting is the best way to ensure that I am represented by elected officials. I believe we need more people -- especially women -- in office to truly represent our community. According to the National Conference of State Legislators, women make up only 28.9% of state legislators nationwide. Sadly, Ohio is below average with women making up 26.5% our state senators (8 of 33) and representatives (27 of 99).
In Ohio, we have constant legislation and decisions by our state government that prioritizes the economy over families, attempts to criminalize abortions and even trying to require doctors to do the medically impossible to women suffering ectopic pregnancies. This year, COVID-19 has laid bare the disproportionate economic situation of women, especially low-income women. Research shows more women than men have lost their jobs and industries dominated by women were impacted more by COVID-19 closures.
“Women’s jobs are at 19% greater risk than men’s, the report estimates. While women account for 39% of the global workforce, they are over-represented in three of the four most in-decline parts of the global economy: accommodation and food services (54%); retail and wholesale trade (43%); and services such as arts, recreation and public administration (46%).”
In Ohio, a glaring example of why we need more women in our legislative and higher offices -- many businesses opened before childcare centers. The governor launched his plan to start reopening businesses on May 1, 2020... but didn't issue an order to reopen child care centers until May 31, 2020. How is a working mother supposed to return to work without childcare? No wonder the Institute for Women's Policy Research gives Ohio a D+ for women's political participation and a C+ for its overall policies to address the needs of women.
Women and femmes need to show up for this election. This is why I shared my #deVOTEdChallenge video and I’ll be attending the 2020 deVOTEd Virtual Summit series. We must work together and encourage one another to create a better Ohio, better districts and better laws, and we must elect better people to truly represent us. Register here.
Lastly, here is some important info on the General Election:
● NOW: Mail in or drop-off voting is VERY important this year because of COVID-19. You can request your absentee ballot NOW by going here. You must print & complete the firm, then either mail it to your county Board of Elections or drop it off there at the secure drop-box.
● Monday, October 5: The deadline to register to vote or change your address is Oct. 5, 2020. You can do that here.
● Tuesday, October 6: Early in-person voting begins! Check your local Board of Elections website for hours.
You can find much more information and answers to a lot of common questions about voting in Ohio here.