Voting: Your Voice, Your Power

Tomorrow 5 November is Election Day, and we’re less than one day away from a powerful moment to make our voices heard! For Black federal government employees, voting isn’t just a right—it’s an opportunity to shape the future and influence policies that directly impact our communities. But here’s the twist: as federal employees, we’ve got to balance this civic duty with professional rules like the Hatch Act. In this edition, we’re breaking down the essentials of voting as a Black fed, while keeping it impactful, professional, and Hatch Act-friendly.

By the end of this newsletter, you’ll know:

• How to vote confidently within federal guidelines.
• Why your vote is about more than just Election Day.
• How voting strengthens our communities and our futures.

So, let’s get into it and get ready to make history at the polls!?

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?1. Know the Hatch Act: Rules for Voting and Federal Employees

As Black federal government employees, we get an extra layer of guidelines to follow when it comes to political activities, thanks to the Hatch Act. The Hatch Act was designed to keep federal government operations nonpartisan, which means there are limits on what we can do, say, and post related to politics while on the clock. Here’s the quick rundown:

• What you can do: Vote, express personal political views in private settings, and attend political events in a personal capacity.
• What you can’t do: Engage in political activities while at work, use government resources (like email or your work phone) for political purposes, or influence anyone’s vote in your official capacity.

Example: If you want to support a local candidate, go to a rally or event outside of work hours and in your personal time. But don’t bring campaign signs to your office or discuss political views during work meetings.

The key here is balance—your voice matters, but there’s a time and place for everything. Think of it as staying in your lane, while still making an impact.

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2. Voting to Influence Policies That Matter?

Our vote isn’t just about checking boxes; it’s about pushing for change in areas that directly affect our communities. Issues like criminal justice reform, healthcare equity, housing, and education funding are all influenced by the people we elect. And for Black and minority federal employees, it’s about having a seat at the table where decisions are made.

We can take a lesson from legendary leaders like Shirley Chisholm, who said, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” Our vote helps put people in power who understand the issues impacting Black communities and are willing to address them. When we vote, we’re not just hoping for change—we’re making it happen.

Example: Think about recent movements to reform policing and provide better resources for communities of color. Every elected official—from local mayors to members of Congress—has a say in these policies. Voting means we get a say, too.

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?3. Don’t Forget the Down-Ballot—Local Races Matter, Too

It’s easy to focus on the presidential race or Senate seats, but remember: local leaders often have the biggest impact on our day-to-day lives. These are the people who set policies on things like police funding, education budgets, and public health resources. For Black communities, these decisions shape our neighborhoods and opportunities directly.

For example, district attorneys decide how justice is served in our communities. School board members decide on resources for our kids’ education. Voting for these local roles isn’t just a box to check—it’s choosing who will stand up for our communities.

Another Example: When we vote for local leaders who advocate for fair housing or more inclusive policing, we’re setting up our community for a better future. Don’t skip over these down-ballot races—our communities depend on them.

Pro Tip on Early Voting: look up your ballot in advance. Know who’s running, understand the key issues, and vote with a plan. When we plan ahead, our choices are thoughtful, not rushed.

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4. Voting as a Community: A Collective Voice

Your vote is powerful alone, but it’s even stronger when cast alongside family, friends, and neighbors. Voting together as a community is like the ultimate group project—everyone does their part, and the result is a collective voice too loud to ignore. And as Black federal employees, encouraging our loved ones to vote helps lift our voices in unison.

Let’s channel that wisdom from an African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Voting as a collective is about taking our communities far toward progress and equity.

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?Three Major Key Takeaways

1. Follow the Hatch Act: You can and should vote, but remember the professional boundaries. Keep political activities separate from work to stay compliant and impactful.

2. Vote for Policies That Matter: From healthcare to criminal justice, every vote we cast is a step toward change that affects our communities directly. Vote for those who represent the issues close to us.

3. Think Local and Act Together: Local leaders shape our communities in big ways, and voting as a community amplifies our impact. Don’t just vote solo—encourage your family and friends to join, too.

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Voting isn’t just a right; it’s our power. As Black federal employees, we have a unique opportunity to make our voices heard while respecting the guidelines that keep our government fair. Let’s make every vote count this election and take action to create the change we want to see. Remember, our future is in our hands—one vote at a time.

Stay informed, stay engaged, and stay UNLOCKED!? Until next time, let’s get out there and make history.