On voting.
As I sit down to write this post, I want to make very clear that my intention has nothing to do with who you vote for. As I share my own personal voting story, my hope is that maybe we all think a little bit more critically about how we want to show up in the world. I would love for each and every person to use their voice and feel empowered to actually vote in this upcoming election.
There are countless articles out there speaking to the importance of voting. The implications on society, and how privileged we are to be able to have the right to vote. All those things are very true, but I’m more curious as to the reasons why people do or do not vote. It’s the personal accounts of what inspired folks to make their way over to the polls to cast their vote or perhaps why they decide not to. Here is my own personal account.
When I was in college, I turned 18 and was able to vote in my first election. I was excited and ready to exercise this right as it was now available to me. Truthfully, I have no idea what I was voting for. It was a matter of voting to simply vote. Post college, I moved away to Southeast Asia for three years. Life was so different on the other side of the world that I did not keep up with what was happening in the United States. When it came time for me to return, I felt so disconnected from everything in our country. When I say everything, I mean everything. This resulted in my lack of inspiration to vote and get involved.
A lot of the conversations in my head covered a whole range of reasons as to why I did not desire to cast a vote … from, “I don’t agree with the platforms and policies of all the candidates” to “I don’t believe that our system is working,” … the stories go on. There was also an accountability component where I didn’t want to make the time and effort to dig deep into the topics and the candidates, because let’s be honest, it’s a lot, and life is busy. Plus there is courage involved with voting; to step into your voice and share that, knowing that the outcome may not be what you hope for. So in a sense, voting involves potential rejection. I don’t know too many folks that enjoy the feeling of rejection. These are only some of my own narratives and experiences. We all have our own, which is beautiful and what makes us individuals.
This brings us to the now, election season of 2020. Through a lot of my own personal work and growth, I have come to realize that I no longer want to be a passive bystander to my life. I want to be an active participant. This, of course, extends beyond just elections, but into how I choose to live. So I’m holding myself accountable. Reading and listening to trusted sources, gathering information, and showing up. If you opt out and decide not to vote, I still respect you as a human being, as this is no easy decision. But I do challenge you to ask yourself “why?” along with “why not?”. You are amazing and what you have to say matters.
As I wrap up here, and stare at this ballot, all I know is that I will use my voice to courageously cast my vote. I hope you find that spark within yourself to do the same.
In love, light + with gratitude,
Nicole