#TellAllTuesdays: Heavy Hearts, Steady Hands

Today, as we head to the polls, we must remember that our voices have power, even in a system that has systemically worked against us. This Election Day isn’t just about casting a ballot; it’s about standing for the values and future we believe in. We know all too well the feeling of being marginalized or unseen in national conversations, especially as BIPOC women, small business owners, and leaders working on the ground in communities that are often overlooked by policy. But today, we can step up, stand firm, and make a difference.

Voting for Change

The hard truth is that our issues often aren’t prioritized, and the issues that matter most to our communities—like environmental justice, women's rights, affordable housing, and health—are frequently sidelined. It’s frustrating, disheartening, and even infuriating. However, one of the most impactful ways to change this narrative is through our vote, particularly in local elections, where decisions directly influence the resources and policies affecting our neighborhoods. Local leaders shape the climate policies we follow, the funds allocated to housing, and the rights we either gain or continue to fight for.

Taking a Stand on Global and Local Issues

We are living through a time of unimaginable pain and conflict across the world. What's happening in Gaza is a genocide—a crisis where human lives are being lost, and communities are being destroyed in ways that feel all too familiar to us. This suffering, along with the battle for women’s rights, the ongoing fight against climate change, and the pandemic’s lasting impacts, reminds us that our activism here at home echoes globally, and everything is intersectional.

Our votes also matter for the systemic issues in the United States. Many states still have language allowing slavery as punishment in their constitutions. Today, we have a chance to support measures that abolish this unacceptable legacy once and for all. This is about more than symbolic change; it’s about correcting historical wrongs and setting a precedent for justice in every part of our lives.

• California: https://voterguide.sos.ca.gov/propositions/6/
• Nevada: https://silverstateelection.nv.gov/ballot-questions/

Strategies to Overcome Voter Suppression

Let’s be real: voter suppression tactics disproportionately impact our communities. Here’s what to keep in mind today:

• Verify Your Registration and Polling Place: Check your registration and ensure you know where to go. Rules can shift, especially in communities of color. https://www.vote.org/polling-place-locator/
• Know Your Rights: Bring documentation on your voting rights in case of intimidation. Stand firm; don’t let anyone keep you from casting your vote.
• Report Issues: If you encounter barriers, use voter protection hotlines and local channels. Your vote is right, and you have allies to ensure it counts. https://866ourvote.org/

Why Today Matters

When we vote, we aren’t just voting for ourselves but for future generations. We’re voting for those whose voices have been silenced. We’re voting for an equitable future where everyone can access clean energy, affordable housing, and bodily autonomy. Every issue on the ballot connects to our lives and our communities.

Our vote today is decisive, but our work doesn’t stop here. We must hold local leaders accountable, stay informed on issues, and demand action. Our communities are counting on us to push forward, to stand up, and to ensure the fight for justice isn’t forgotten once the ballots are counted.

Today, let’s vote purposefully, in memory of those who couldn’t, and for future generations. Let’s make our voices heard in our votes, the spaces we create, and the justice we demand. We’re not just voting; we’re honoring our past, defending our present, and shaping our future.

#VoteWithPurpose #TellAllTuesday #BIPOCLeadership #GazaGenocide #EndSlavery #ClimateJustice #WomensRights #HousingForAll