This past July, CDF Freedom School scholars participated in the annual National Day of Social Action by marching and taking to social media to make their voices heard on the issues they care about most. They showed their communities and adults everywhere the importance of listening to children and casting votes on their behalf to deliver on the better world and future they envision. We heard from our scholars on a variety of issues that impact their lives from wanting “more money in schools” and “smaller class sizes” to “affordable housing for homeless people.” All these issues and more that affect children and their families and communities are on the ballot in this election. The stakes are incredibly high as the people elected in November will make decisions that impact children’s lives for years to come. This is why it is absolutely essential that we register to vote, make our plan, and cast our ballots on behalf of America’s children in this election.
To help make voting more accessible, CDF has released its 2020 voter guides. Our guides explain why voting matters at every level of government (the presidential election is not the only election on the ballot!), highlight the children’s issues that are at stake in this election, and help you make a plan to vote smartly and safely, especially within the context of COVID-19.
Take a moment to read through the voter guides. Reflect on the power your vote has to affect elections at the federal, state, and local level. Research the candidates on your ballot and see where they stand on children’s issues. Make certain you’re registered and make your plan to vote.
Once you’ve solidified your own voting plan, take another moment to brainstorm how these guides can act as a resource in your network or community: Would it be useful to send them out to a family email listserv or post them on a community Facebook page? Can you think of 10 friends who you could share them with? Maybe you want to host a virtual couch party to review and discuss the different components of the voter guides with friends, family, and neighbors? However you decide to share them, these voter guides can be utilized as a helpful resource to inform and mobilize others.
Election Day is less than 6 weeks away, and voting has already begun in many places across the country. Our children’s futures are at stake in the ballot box and they are counting on us to vote for politicians who will work for a world in which they can thrive.