Ugh. Politics. Why bother, right? Voter apathy is at an all time high for this election and who can blame us? Congress is broken, politicians are constantly being outed for their faults, and the Koch brothers are just going to buy who they want anyway, right? It is tough to feel like your vote will count or to even feel relevant, but I am here to tell you how WE can change that.
Numbers Game
First, let’s talk numbers. In the 2012 presidential election 72% of registered Florida voters turned out to cast a ballot. Sound good? Let’s add in some new numbers: first consider that statistically only 70% of eligible people are registered to vote, then add in that only 63.7% of registered women voted in that election, only 53% of whom are mothers aged 18-50 (likely to still have children at home) and now the number of mothers who voted has dwindled to a paltry 17.2%. That’s it. Just 17.2 % of moms took the time to vote in the last presidential election. As if that’s not bad enough, only 49% of registered Florida voters turned out for the 2010 general election. That’s statistically only 11.6% of Florida moms!
Why Your Vote Matters
So, why does it matter how many moms vote? One person, one vote, right? Well, yes and no. Yes, you only get to cast one vote, but when you do you are casting much more than just your choice for Governor, you are sending a message. You are a woman, you are a mom, and you VOTE. What happens when enough of us vote? We become a voting block, a voice, a force to be reckoned with. Our issues start to matter to politicians and cease to be pushed aside. Why? Because we vote!
Think they don’t notice? Each county keeps a list of “Super Voters”: voters who have voted in at least three consecutive elections – big or small. Every politician knows that super voters are the holy grail of campaigning, because they are going to vote. Candidates and elected officials have access to this information and they target super voters and tailor their platforms to the demographics of super voters because campaign resources are limited and they want to focus on the people that will actually get out and vote. Most people fail to realize that just by voting consistently, you are increasing your democratic power by representing your demographic and the issues important to it. Be a Super Mom and a Super Voter!
Age is Just a Number, Right?
Currently, the largest voting block in our state is the elderly. While there may be a few outliers, seniors tend to vote against education spending and any public spending that doesn’t directly affect them. This isn’t to pick on the elderly; it’s to highlight our plight, both as women and for the future of our children in this state.
Every election there are multiple issues on the table, whether directly (through Amendments) or indirectly (through the politician that is elected) that affect our daily lives: maternity leave, flexible work schedules, fair wages, education, and a multitude of other women’s rights. While I personally won’t be taking any more maternity leave, I certainly don’t want my daughter to be worrying about it (or making 76 cents on the dollar) twenty years from now.
Why This Election is Important
Every election is important, but this one is all about Florida. The heavy hitters this election are the fate of our gubernatorial cabinet: governor, attorney general, CFO, etc. and three constitutional amendments. There are five people running for governor – five. Thought there were only two, didn’t you? Me too. But aside from the future of our state, water conservation, and medical marijuana there are also important local elections like school board and city councilman. Want your opinion to count? Vote. Your children can’t vote, so you have to be their voice as well. We have a duty as mothers to protect our children. Don’t let it stop at the ballot box.
Early voting has begun in Duval County! You can vote at any location with your photo ID HERE.
To learn more about proposed constitutional amendments and about who is running in our local, state, and federal elections look HERE!
If you would like to register to vote check out this website.
The Koch Brothers who just donated $100 million dollars to a NY Hospital are the only wealthy businessmen who make political contributions? I have a feeling that if that were true the last two Presidential Elections would have turned out differently.
I used the Koch brothers as an example of people using their money to influence politicians. There are lots of wealthy businesspeople who make political contributions, but most do not receive as much notoriety from their actions as the Koch brothers. Thus, I assumed their names would be most notably recognized (by ALL voters) when making a comparison between a typical voter and someone with billions to donate in campaign contributions.