By now, all registered voters have received their ballots for the Nov. 8 election directly in mailboxes. CalMatters.org reports that next month, the number of female lawmakers could rise above California’s state legislature’s current record of holding 39 of 120 seats.
Voters not only have a say in California state laws, but their votes also influence how those laws are enforced by elected mayors, councilmembers, supervisors, sheriffs and judges.
The early vote-by-mail voting period began Oct. 11 and some Vote Centers will be open during the early voting period.
Advocates recommend amplifying voices through social media, and making Nov. 8 a family event by showing up to vote.
Historically, the White House occupant’s party has tended to not perform well in midterm elections.
“This is an important election, your voice is your vote,” said Recycling Black Dollars’ Crystal Mitchell at last week’s Community Briefing zoom meeting. “We the people have a voice. We vote them in, so they have to work for us.”
If out-of-state college students want to vote, they have two options: Submit a mail-in ballot to vote in their home state; or change their address and voter registration to the state where they are currently attending school, locate the nearest polling place, and vote in person.
Registering to vote in more than one state is illegal. Students can either register to vote in their home state or the state where they attend school. They can find their designated polling place and mail-in options by visiting the election office website.
“I’m letting Black women and men know today that our vote counts more than ever, especially at the local level,” said Kara James, a nurse practitioner with Planned Parenthood Los Angeles.
“According to the Center for American Progress, Black women are among the largest and most consistently engaged demographic groups in American politics nationwide. The overturning of Roe vs. Wade has only generated more energy among female voters, especially in California.”
Advocates believe that this election is an opportunity to ensure that Black women use their influence to empower legislators to make laws that protect all women in California. Voting is a form of advocacy for choices, and the protection of the choices women have in the future regarding the lives they will lead.
