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The Essential Guide to Being a Thoughtful Voter and Engaged Citizen

In the latest episode of the “Trust Your Voice” podcast (out on Spotify), host Sylvie Legere and co-host Melinda Oakes delve into the critical topic of preparing for the upcoming election. This episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice to help you become a more informed and engaged voter. Here’s a comprehensive overview of their discussion, highlighting key themes and actionable steps.

The primary goal of this episode is to inspire and prepare listeners for the upcoming election. Sylvie and Melinda emphasize the importance of paying close attention to your ballot and trusting your voice in the political landscape. This episode serves as a call to action, urging citizens to be proactive and informed voters.

Understanding Ballot Initiatives

Sylvie and Melinda discuss how part of being an informed voter is being aware of what, not just who, is being voted on. Ballot initiatives are a direct way to influence your state’s laws. They come in various forms, such as advisory measures, amendments to state constitutions, or specific regulations. For instance, New York has a single initiative on discrimination, while Illinois has three initiatives covering IVF healthcare, election integrity, and a tax amendment for property tax relief. Understanding the language and implications of each initiative is crucial. Engage in discussions and research ahead of time to fully grasp the outcomes of a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote.

Research Tools and Resources

To make informed decisions, utilize ballot look-up tools, which provide a sample ballot and detailed information about candidates and initiatives. Local elections, often overlooked, have a significant impact on daily life. Investigate candidates’ backgrounds, government service, endorsements, voting records, and then contact them directly.

Melinda shares her personal experience of taking her son through The Policy Circle’s Active Voter Guide, covering everything from registration to understanding the whole ballot. This and The First-Time Voter Handbook are highly recommended for new voters as it provides a comprehensive overview and succinct highlights, respectively, of the voting process.

The Importance of Local Elections

Local elections matter immensely, yet they often receive less attention. These races impact your daily life, from school boards to city councils. Look into candidates’ backgrounds, government service, endorsements, and directly contact them if needed.

Shockingly, just above 50% of races are usually uncontested, with this year seeing an even higher rate of 75%. This statistic is a call to action for citizens to consider running for office themselves. Engaging in the political process at this level can lead to significant changes in your community.

Key Issues to Consider as You Vote

Several critical issues should be at the forefront of your mind as you prepare to vote:

  • Education: Academic outcomes and policies like school choice are critical yet under-discussed.
  • Government Efficiency: How will candidates make government more effective and curb waste and fraud?
  • Immigration: Understand the impacts of current policies and future plans for managing immigration.
  • Economy: With a high number of voters prioritizing this issue, differences in corporate tax proposals and their implications for investments and 401k plans are crucial.
  • Energy Policies: From achieving energy independence to dependence on renewables, dig into candidates’ visions.
  • Healthcare: Broader discussions around personalized insurance plans and access to quality care are needed.

Beyond Voting: Staying Engaged

Voting is just the beginning. Here are ways to stay engaged:

  1. Volunteer for Campaigns: Support candidates and causes you believe in. Contact campaigns and organizations to be a voice for what you are passionate about. As early voting opens, there will probably be a need for volunteers to answer questions outside of voting centers.
  2. Be a Poll Watcher or Poll Worker: Ensure the integrity of the voting process. Volunteer and experience first-hand the process of counting votes. Most poll workers are compensated for their time and contribution to their community.
  3. Donate to Candidates or Political Action Committees: Financial support, however big or small, can make a significant impact.

Final Thoughts

Being informed and active in the voting process is crucial for democracy. Your vote and voice matter more than ever. Engage your friends and family to do the same, and make a plan to vote. Stay engaged, stay informed, and trust your voice.

To dive deeper into these vital topics, listen to the full episode of “Trust Your Voice” and email your thoughts to [email protected].

For more election content, visit The Policy Circle’s Election 2024: The Road to November webpage.