In recent years, the fragility of democracy has become increasingly apparent as the balance of power and personal freedoms are threatened. Voting is one of the most significant tools U.S. citizens possess to uphold the values of a free society. Yet, when people disengage from the electoral process, it opens the door for extremist ideologies and leaders to manipulate the system, often in ways that diminish our rights and deepen divisions in society.

Democracy thrives on the active participation of its citizens. However, radical elements can easily dominate the political landscape when voter turnout is low. These groups often push agendas rooted in hate and control, seeking to dismantle democratic institutions that protect civil liberties and promote equality.

The erosion of democracy is rarely abrupt. It happens incrementally, through subtle changes in laws and governance that restrict freedoms, erode the independence of the judiciary, and stifle free speech. By voting, we counteract these forces and help ensure that the core values of democracy—justice, equality, and freedom—are preserved for future generations.

Many of the personal freedoms we enjoy today, from the right to make decisions about our bodies to freedom of speech, result from long, hard-fought battles. However, these rights are not guaranteed forever. Radical movements and ideologies often seek to roll back progress, targeting marginalized groups, and imposing restrictive laws in the name of “order” or “tradition.”

Voting gives individuals a voice in determining who represents them and what policies will shape their lives. Without exercising that right, we risk ceding control to those who seek to curtail freedoms out of fear, prejudice, or an unrelenting desire for power (greed and control).

Extremist supporters, driven by ideologies of hate and control, pose a significant threat to our democratic society. These groups are often highly organized, and their leaders understand the power of mobilizing a dedicated base, even if that base is small. When moderate and progressive voices stay silent by not voting, the influence of these radical supporters is amplified. The common belief that a vote does not matter or may be countered by an opposing vote only weakens the defense of the matter at hand. An extremist’s goal is often to reshape society to reflect their narrow worldview—one that excludes diversity, punishes dissent, and suppresses freedoms. They thrive in environments where apathy or disengagement prevails. Voting is a direct way to counteract this threat, ensuring that those who govern us are held accountable and represent the values of inclusivity, equality, and fairness.

Voting is not merely a civic duty but a defense mechanism against authoritarianism. When we vote, we safeguard the principles that protect our individual freedoms and collective rights. Every vote cast is a reaffirmation of our commitment to democracy, a statement that we refuse to allow hate, division, and control to dictate the future.

Furthermore, by voting, we can elect leaders who prioritize justice, empathy, and equality, ensuring that future generations inherit a society that values freedom over fear, unity over division, and progress over regression.

The right to vote is one of the most powerful tools we possess in the fight to maintain our democracy and personal freedoms. In times when these values are under siege by radical supporters and ideologies of control, it becomes more important than ever to participate in the electoral process. Voting is how we protect our rights, push back against hate, and ensure that our society remains a place where all voices are heard, and all people are valued.

By voting, we honor the struggles of those who came before us and secure a future where democracy continues to thrive.

A Woman’s Choice Clinics has voting recommendations for this upcoming 2024 election! We hope you consider these suggestions when at the ballot box because access to abortion and reproductive freedom is what’s on the ballot in every community.

Florida
The 2024 Florida Primary Election is upon us, and in-person early voting is underway in all Florida counties. Early Voting Period, October 26th – November 2nd

You can avoid Primary Election Day lines, or unexpected Primary Election Day time conflicts, by visiting one of your county’s early voting sites, and we’ve made it easy to find your closest early voting location: VoteEarlyFlorida.com and VotaTempranoFL.com (en español).

Not sure who your state legislators are? Look them up here. See how they voted on a list of 2024 bills here. #Yeson4

North Carolina
The make up of the North Carolina General Assembly and our courts will shape the future of abortion access and voting rights (which are inextricably linked!) in North Carolina.

Early voting begins on October 17th. Remember that any voter in NC can request an absentee ballot and vote by mail, no excuse or special circumstance is required.

Make sure you are registered to vote and have a plan to get to the polls.

Virginia
Key Dates:

• Sept. 20 Early in person voting begins and ends the Saturday, November 2 at 5:00 PM.
• Oct. 15 Deadline to register or change your voter registration
• Oct. 25 Deadline to request an absentee ballot
• Nov. 5 Election Day

Check your registration: You can check your registration online at https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation

Here are the candidates who are running strong campaigns at the state and local level that have earned the EMILYs List endorsement.

• Holly Seibold – VA-HD35
  • Laura Jane Cohen – VA-HD15
  • Michelle Maldonado – VA-HD20
  • Atoosa Reaser – VA-HD27
  • Debra Gardner – VA-HD76
  • Rae Cousins – VA-HD79
  • Destiny Levere Bolling – VA-HD80
  • Delores McQuinn – VA-HD81
  • Bonita Anthony – VA-HD92
  • Kelly Convirs-Fowler – VA-HD96
  • Shelly Simonds- VA-HD70
  • Lashrecse Aird – VA-SD13
  • Louise Lucas – VA-SD18
  • Angelia Williams Graves – VA-SD21
  • Danica Roem – VA-SD30
  • Russet Perry – VA-SD31
  • Jennifer Carroll Foy – VA-SD33
  • Stella Pekarsky – VA-SD36
  • Jennifer Boysko – VA-SD38
  • Barbara Favola – VA-SD40
  • Adele McClure – VA-HD02
  • Karen Keys-Gamarra – VA-HD07
  • Katrina Callsen – VA-HD54
  • Amy Laufer -VA-HD55