Voting Like My Life Depends on IT — October 29, 2018

Epstein

Written by Epstein, Writer & Clare Housing Resident

In today’s political climate, making a difference requires more than sitting around at work, church, the local coffee shop or at home debating what is wrong. It requires action. Here in America, we can take action by exercising our civic duty to vote. This coming November will be a chance to elect the individuals who should represent you in Congress.

Apathy will end us. As I look back, I am amazed by the numbers of individuals who did not vote in 2016. It’s disappointing to put it kindly. Since that election, there have been many different issues and policies that have developed that have eroded the safety net for people living with HIV like me.

These harmful policies are a catalyst to get me to my polling place in November. I hope that motivates you, too. I decided to interview friends and community members to see how fired up they are about voting this year. Here’s what they had to say …

Tamara: “I am going to vote to make the United States a better place for everyone to live in. I want to be proud of our country and the decisions we make. I want to make a better future for my son Henry, and all other children.”

Kelly: “I am voting in November because it’s a privilege and my civic duty. I hope that my voting will have an impact on getting people in office that support my beliefs and morals, and most importantly have compassion for all mankind. “

Kari: “We vote for others to hear out voices to ensure we are making the right decisions for our community and future generations. My father was a district representative for 10 years, he made it clear from a very early age that it’s a responsibility to vote.”

Steve: “I am personally concerned about cuts in funding in housing, health care, education and others. I hope that my vote will be a vote that will lead change.”

Terry: “Dang right I am going to the polls in November!”

The big lesson I learned in writing this article is that many individuals are saying that they will vote! They want to see change, and they want to preserve their ability to participate in our democracy. I hope this will hold true on November 6th. Please remember that your vote does count.

As long as we vote, our democracy lives. Our voices will be heard, and our hope will survive. See you at the polls!