Voting gives you the power to shape laws and policies that affect your daily life. Elected officials rely on the votes of their constituents to help shape legislation on issues such as education, healthcare, and the environment. Through your vote, you can ensure that communities of color are fully represented in government and that policies reflect the needs and aspirations of all citizens.
While one vote may seem like a drop in the ocean when looking at the electoral results in federal elections, that single vote can make a difference in local races where small percentages of votes can decide an entire election. For example, a single vote in 2017 could have changed the outcome of a Virginia House of Delegates race that ended in a tie between a Democrat and a Republican.
Throughout history, many people, including members of our community, have bravely fought for the right to vote. It’s important to remember their sacrifice and bask in the tangible results of their efforts that we all enjoy today.
While we are proud of the historic advances in voting rights, we cannot be complacent or allow the Supreme Court to further erode these vital protections. The LDF will continue to fight for voting rights and will work with leaders nationwide to enact state-level laws that safeguard our democracy.
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