Joanna Fanuko, LMSW

Now, More Than Ever, Your Vote Establishes the Future of this Country

Voting is certainly not mandatory. But think about how many generations of Americans fought to access even the right to vote? If you are a woman, this was once you. If you are Black, once you. Imagine not even being considered a person in this free country with a due place at the polls?

Now flash back to present day. Would you then think twice about wasting your precious opportunity to use your voice? Your vote is a way for you to define the future state of the United States of America. It is a path for you to choose how the government is run. It puts in place policy makers and legislators based on your belief system, morals and dreams for a brighter tomorrow.

Why is it important, now more than ever, to exercise your right to vote?

Because of what is at stake today and tomorrow — and the years to come.

Our rights are slowly being shaved back in this current administration. Strides forward are being bashed at the knees and pushed back. We can see it with the inhumane hardline stance imposed on immigration. Devaluing our immigrant citizens and neighbors goes against everything America was built on. Think of yourself, how far back do you trace your ancestral history in America, unless you are truly Native American tribal? Most likely you had family that emigrated from another country.

Neighbors are being snatched up and put into detention camps, awaiting deportations without due process and oftentimes in horrendous conditions. It goes against the Constitution and what America stands for: a land of opportunities and freedom.

The gains we were making in DEI research have been slashed down as well, leaving minorities places and decision-making in major political and corporate actors unaccounted for. Today marks an anniversary of the March on Washington and reestablishes Martin Luther King Jr.’s work to lift the voices of the voiceless and have the African American vote counted. We can’t go backwards and lose our important voices due to hatred, racism, and ignorance.

So don’t stand for it. Stand for what you do believe in.

Stand for your neighbors. Stand for your history here in America and abroad. Stand for your reasons that you love this country. Stand for your power and your voice and your choice.

And vote in the midterm elections this November.

Your future — our future — depends on it.