It seems like such a simple question on the surface – why does voting matter? Our country was founded on the principle of a participatory democracy. While the right to vote is enshrined in the Constitution – it only applied to white, male, landowners. African Americans were not given that right until the late 1860s, and women have only that right since 1920. For most of us, growing up there was the idea that our parents voted for more than just a candidate, they voted based on their beliefs and their ideals.

While our voting systems have evolved, the importance of each vote remains. Our vote is our voice and now more than ever, no matter where you stand on the issues, that voice is necessary to ensure a fair election. Our elections do not just determine which candidate will occupy the seat in the Oval Office; we must focus on who is leading our local and state communities as well. Everything from climate change, criminal justice reform, equal and equitable representation, housing & homelessness, reproductive choice and immigration are on the line at every level of our democracy.

While who you cast your Presidential vote for is crucial, your local and state elections will have significantly more impact on your daily life. State Supreme Court judges who decide the punishment for crimes, governors, senators, and representatives who will cast votes in their respective houses, and even local and school district levies will have direct effects on your taxes, education and the laws governing your individual freedoms

As a company, Spectrum provides time off to allow employees to do their civic duty. Our hope in sharing this blog with you is that each of us come together to recognize the weight voting has and the opportunity it provides to support our planet, our allies around the world, our country and the children who will inherit it from us.

For more information about voting and resources to make your voting plan, check out this simple resource.