7 Reasons You Should Vote in This Election
It’s the last weekend before Tuesday’s midterm election—and a lot is at stake. Not only does party control of Congress depend on it, but thousands of local offices are up for grabs, 36 states will pick their governor, and many propositions will pass or fail. Here are seven reasons to go to the polls on Nov. 4.
1. For women’s health and reproductive rights
This week, Lena Dunham flooded the Instagram feeds of her 1.2 million followers with photos of her celebrity friends wearing the shirt she designed for Planned Parenthood. Proceeds from its sale benefit the organization’s Action Fund program, which provides a database that lets you check a congressperson’s record of support for women’s health.
2. For the right to know what we’re eating
Voters in Colorado and Oregon will decide whether to label genetically engineered foods.
3. For young people
No matter where they stand on the political spectrum, you’ve got to give it to the millennials running for office this election. At the very least, they deserve your consideration.
4. For a living wage
Voters in four red states—Nebraska, South Dakota, Alaska, and Arkansas—will decide on proposed minimum wage hikes.
5. For animals and the environment
From restoring wildlife habitats in Florida to projects alleviating the California drought, many environmental issues depend on ballot measures across the country.
6. For reduced prison sentences for nonviolent offenders
If it passes in California, Proposition 47 would reduce prison sentences for drug possession. Voters in Alaska, Oregon, and Washington, D.C., will also decide whether to approve marijuana for recreational use. Florida voters will consider legalizing it for medicinal purposes.
7. For equal pay
Do you believe that women should get paid as much as men? Joan Jett and her pals would like you to know that 100 percent of Senate Republicans rejected the Paycheck Fairness Act. How about supporting the female candidates campaigning to advance equal rights instead?
Related stories on TakePart:
• Do You Live in One of the 21 States Where Voting Laws Just Changed?
• Quiz: Bizarre Facts About Voting in the U.S.
• The Supreme Court Votes Against Voting: Here’s Exactly What We Lost
Original article from TakePart
