I've heard a lot of people talking about how they don't like to vote because they feel like it "doesn't matter." Particularly in states that perhaps go red when the person in question votes blue. I have 2 things to say about that:

/thread re: #voting #Election2020 #SCOTUS https://twitter.com/Pipsondee/status/1321473051444215809

First of all, @Pipsondee is 100% correct. Local elections will always have a more direct and meaningful impact on citizens than federal elections. ALL elections are important, but let's discuss a specific example to make it clear.

Because it's on everyone's minds (particularly women's) with the SCOTUS nom, let's discuss reproductive rights. While SCOTUS eventually decided Roe v. Wade, and they will hear the Mississippi case soon, it took a LOT of appeals to get there. It took lawmakers writing the bills,

other lawmakers negotiating, committee hearings, full votes, and a governor to sign them. Then the appeals process started (thank you @ACLU) with multiple courts until we finally get to SCOTUS. ALL those people from the bill's authors to the governor who signed it, were elected.

They are all LOCAL leaders who are creating those bills that eventually become laws. And depending on where you live, you may be voting on judges who may be hearing some of these appeals (such as state supreme courts). Or the leaders you elect will appoint them.

I cannot stress how important it is to vote in every single election for every single position. This is why I love absentee ballots so much. I get to sit down with my ballot and the internet and read all about the candidates so I feel like I'm making an informed decision.

Second, I understand why people feel their vote "doesn't matter." Especially given the electoral college, which gives more weight to some states than others. My Ohio vote is more "important" than my friend's vote in Montana. That's crap, plain and simple.

However, I want you to *heavily* consider the methods of voter suppression that are being taken in multiple states.

If your vote "doesn't matter" then why are they trying to make it more difficult for you to cast it?

The most important role in a democracy is that of the citizen. It's literally our job to be well-informed and involved. Choosing to skip an election because you don't feel your vote matters is misguided at best and irresponsible at worst. It's your right to not vote,

and if that's how you want to exercise that freedom, then that's your decision. But your vote doesn't just affect you. It affects everyone in your community.

Please consider doing your research and casting a ballot. It's your voice. Use it. It matters. #VOTE #VoteEarly