4: Five reasons to vote

While I was out on my run last weekend, I came across this Halloween decoration at a house that I remembered from a previous election year, just with a slightly different message. Today is election day in multiple states, and here in California, we’re voting on Prop 50, which proposes temporary changes to the state’s congressional district maps in response to partisan redistricting efforts in Texas. If approved by the voters, it would allow California to use new, legislatively drawn maps for the 2026, 2028, and 2030 elections before returning to the decennial Census-based maps created by the independent California Citizens Redistricting Commission.

The thing is, the Tr*mp regime is trying to steal congressional seats and rig future elections, and we cannot just idly sit by and do nothing.

Here are five reasons why everyone eligible should vote not just today, but in every election.

It’s your right AND a privilege.

I’ve been able to vote in the U.S. since 2012. I always voted in Germany and didn’t even think twice about it. It’s what you do. But you truly realize what a privilege it is to participate in elections when you lived somewhere for a while where you don’t have the right to vote. I lived in the US for many years without that privilege. I paid taxes and adhered to all other civic duties, but I had no say when it came to the government that represented me. Let me tell you, this will make you appreciate your right to vote really fast.

It’s your civic duty.

If you live in a democracy, it’s your duty to participate. If one thing has become abundantly clear in recent months (or if we’re honest, for much longer really), it is that Republicans have been chipping away at voting rights in many states because they know that they can’t win elections if enough voters turn out for the elections. They are afraid of the changing demographic tide and will try to restrict and deny voters wherever they can. That is why it’s important for every single eligible person to get out and vote to keep our democracy alive and protect our rights.

Elections have consequences.

Some people believe a vote is an expression of opinion, and some people believe a vote is an instrument. I believe my vote is an instrument and in the end, it doesn’t really matter what the motivation behind my vote is, only the outcome is what counts. And I want my vote to mean something. Even if the choices are limited, I still have a choice and have to choose wisely, and I have to ask myself: what are the consequences of my vote.

Honestly, nobody cares about your protest vote. It might make you feel smug for a minute, because you think that you’re not buying into the system, but a protest vote is and will be a wasted vote. But I am less angry with people who vote for the ‘other party’, and more angry with people who don’t vote at all. Because guess what, if you don’t participate in elections, you still carry the consequences of the outcome.

Voting holds leaders accountable.

Elected officials are only there because we elected them to represent the will and best interests of the people. If they abuse their position or do an unsatisfactory job, voting is the best way to hold them accountable. If they fail to meet your expectations, you can vote them out and give your vote to better leaders.

Voting is collective action.

We often feel powerless and think that our voice doesn’t matter or that we alone can’t make a difference, but that’s exactly why voting matters. Voting is a form of collective action and everybody has to play their part. When we participate in elections, we often become more informed and therefore aware of political issues, policies, and the overall functioning of their government. And a well-informed and engaged electorate is a good electorate.

I’ll leave you with a quote:

“Voting isn’t marriage, it’s public transport. You’re not waiting for ‘the one’ who’s absolutely perfect: you’re getting the bus, and if there isn’t one to your destination, you do not NOT travel — you take the one going closest.” – Debbie Moon. 

So, tell me, if you’re in a state that holds elections today: did you vote?

 I am doing NaBloPoMo this month. 30 blog posts in 30 days. Come join me. #nablopomo2025
Links to the Participants List. Happy Writing!