Braving Midlife

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Why Voting Matters: A Sassy Guide for the Reluctant Voter

Hey there, fabulous reader!

So, here we are. Election season. The time of year when your mailbox is stuffed with campaign flyers and your social media feed is a battleground. I get it—choosing between presidential candidates can sometimes feel like being asked to pick your favorite Kardashian. You’re just not that invested. But hold on, before you start eye-rolling and heading for the exit, let’s talk about why your vote is more crucial than ever

1. Voting is Like Ordering at a Fancy Restaurant

Imagine you’re at a swanky restaurant. The menu is filled with dishes you can’t pronounce, and the specials are wild (duck liver flambé, anyone?). Sure, you might not love the options, but you’re definitely not going to let someone else order for you, right? Voting is kind of like that. You might not be thrilled with the candidates, but wouldn’t you rather have a say in what’s on your plate for the next four years?

2. Remember the Suffragettes

Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane. Women fought tooth and nail to get the right to vote. They dealt with protests, jail time, and even force-feeding (gross!). Not voting is like throwing shade at these fierce ladies. Channel your inner suffragette and make them proud.

3. Down-ballot Heroes

If the presidential candidates aren’t sparking joy, think of the down-ballot candidates as the unsung heroes of your Netflix binge. They might not be the stars of the show, but they’re the ones who make things happen. Local officials, school board members, judges—they’re shaping your community. And guess what? Your vote matters big time here.

4. The Future is Female and Male, and Non-Binary, and…

The decisions made by whoever is elected will affect everyone. Health care, education, climate change, human rights—you name it. These are issues that impact our lives, our kids’ lives, and the planet. Voting is your chance to weigh in on the kind of future you want.

5. No Vote, No Complain

You know that friend who never chips in for the pizza but complains about the toppings? Don’t be that friend. Voting gives you the right to kvetch about the state of the world. Without it, you’re just a silent spectator, and where’s the fun in that?

6. Be a Role Model

Whether you realize it or not, people are watching. Your kids, your nieces and nephews, your friends—they’re all taking notes. Show them that participating in democracy is cool, important, and worth doing. Be the Beyoncé of voting and set the stage on fire.

7. Because It’s Your Right

At the end of the day, voting is your right. It’s a superpower wrapped in a ballot. Use it. Make your voice heard. And who knows, you might even find a candidate who surprises you—in a good way.

So, there you have it. Voting might not be as glamorous as a red carpet event, but it’s definitely more important. Put on your best lipstick (or not), grab your ID, and head to the polls. Your future self will thank you.

Stay sassy, stay smart, and most importantly, stay engaged.

XOXO,
Erin