Voting is an essential aspect of a healthy democracy. It’s one of the most powerful ways you can use your voice to support justice in your community. Voting also gives you the ability to help make change happen on a larger scale.
Story by Jeanese Hime, housing case manager and Kelli Larsen, director of strategic initiatives
Not convinced you should vote? Perhaps you can be persuaded. Here are five good reasons to vote:
We all have opinions on the decisions our government makes. And we all live with the results. Voting is one of the most effective ways to influence those decisions.
The more we vote, the more those we elect understand our needs and the more they can respond to those needs…and to us.
If we look into our history, there have been times when many minority groups could not vote. It was a long and hard fight to open up the opportunity to everyone. Some of us are members of those populations who struggled for this right. You could say it is our duty to take advantage of what was once impossible. We must remember how far we have come to get our voices heard.
Don’t assume your position or candidate will win even without your vote. Lots of people– with lots of different opinions– vote. Sometimes the contests are much closer than you’d expect.
Voting builds social capital. It creates a more trusting, accountable and healthy relationship between the government and the people it serves.
If you aren’t registered to vote, now’s the time. It’s easy! You can register to vote in person at any Washington driver licensing office or online. Remember to update your voter registration if you have moved within Washington State. Learn more by clicking here.
If you’re already registered, be sure that voice of yours is heard: Vote!
To learn more about voting and about issues related to the work of Plymouth Housing Group, check out these resources.
Housing Development Consortium of Seattle-King County
Washington Low Income Housing Alliance
Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness
Seattle League of Women Voters