Our Time to Shine
The Washington state primary elections are coming Aug. 4, and ballots are in the mail. Elections are important because all eligible citizens can choose their representatives in local, state, and federal offices. We also vote on initiatives and other ballot measures. Citizens are stakeholders. Elections are our opportunity to make our voices heard to determine the path forward for our country politically, economically, and socially. Such is the power of our vote. First-time voters may still register. All voters may find sos.wa.gov/elections a valuable resource. Engaging with, and supporting, our community through protests and marches is visible, uplifting, and influential. However, voting is the key to affecting change; voting is our fundamental right and responsibility. If you support high gas and grocery prices, and shrinking healthcare, housing availability, and affordability, then you will vote to maintain the status quo. If you support an administration that is focused on retribution and self-enrichment while stealing from its citizens, then you will vote for the status quo. If you support a government whose goal is to destroy human rights and civil rights, then you will vote for the status quo. Current leaders violate the most basic pillar of government: to do for its people what they cannot do for themselves. However, if you envision a different government – one being of the people, by the people, and most importantly, for the people – then you must vote for immediate, transformational change.