On Election Day four years ago, I wore my red power suit and voted for a woman for president. Oh my. I was so happy for that opportunity — and I found it shocking that I had made it to my forties and it was the first time. (Have we really never had a president who is a woman? How can that be?) As someone who has been in charge of things big and small since I was a kid, it always confuses me when I realize how many people are flat out not okay with women leaders.
This year feels different. The stakes are much higher — in 2016 we could only guess how bad Trump would be; now we know for sure. When I think of all we’ve lost over the last four years, all the steps backward, all the corruption, violence, and death, I find it heartbreaking and disturbing to acknowledge that he might win this election; Americans may decide to choose him again.
We can do so much better than Donald.
I voted weeks ago with an absentee ballot that I faxed to California (and received an email confirmation that it was received), so I won’t be going to the polls today. I voted for Biden|Harris! They are excellent candidates and really good people who have run an incredible campaign — and I hope they win. They are our best chance for repairing the damage this administration has done and working to heal the country. They are our best chance for combatting climate change. They are our best chance for achieving equality and justice for all Americans. They are our best chance for combatting Covid-19.
If you haven’t voted yet, please make time to do so today. If you’re not sure how, there are thousands of volunteers ready to walk you through how it works and where you need to go. And don’t be embarrassed if you find the whole process confusing — the GOP has spent many years making it as hard to vote as possible, so if you find it challenging, that’s because it IS challenging. But if you’d like to vote, don’t give up — in many states you can still register!
Today, I’m especially thinking of everyone who has worked so hard to keep America moving forward despite a despicable leader. I’m thinking of the resistance — led out by Black women, the demonstrators and sign makers, the march organizers, the artists and essayists and journalists, the phone bankers, the canvassers, the poll workers, the pro-bono lawyers, the suburban moms, the campaign teams and volunteers, and so many people who have given their time and resources and creativity to defend democracy. I see you and appreciate you. I know everyone is exhausted, and I think you should feel proud of what you’ve accomplished. Thank you.
All eyes are on you, America. Let’s make it a great day.
P.S. — I’m still updating the Election Week post with links and tweets.
