As I entered the bustling room filled with chatter about the upcoming election, I could feel the energy in the air. It was set up as a makeshift phone bank, plastic tables arranged for volunteers to dial in and discuss pressing political topics. The aroma of pepperoni and sausage wafted through, fueling our discussions as we shared stories of voter interactions. My script was ready, with prompts for healthcare, education, and job creation. Yet, I found myself unprepared for the responses I received from some women, responses that I had hoped were rare.
“My partner tells me how to vote.”
I expected that these words might be more challenging for women to voice when speaking to another woman, yet the same phrase was echoed back to me multiple times in a matter-of-fact tone: “My husband tells me how to vote.” These women shared no distinct characteristics—what connected them was their willingness to cede their voting rights to their husbands, allowing them to choose their political party, candidates, and, most shockingly, the issues that mattered most to them.
Reflecting on these conversations, I wish I had pressed them further about their choices to relinquish their voting rights. Instead, I simply paused, thanked them, and moved on to the next call. My own upbringing was steeped in discussions about politics and the importance of having a voice, thanks to my mother. Now, I am instilling those same values in my children, teaching them to understand the decisions that impact our family and community. So it is difficult for me to grasp how vital decisions could be surrendered so easily to their partners.
Voting is not just a right; it is a hard-won privilege that many have fought and sacrificed for throughout history. It’s an honor that should never be taken lightly. My vote belongs to ME.
As you prepare for election day, whether you’re tempted to stay silent on political issues, skip voting altogether, or let your partner dictate your choices, remember the countless women who fought for your right to cast your ballot. Perhaps we should wear wristbands that say, “What Would Susan B. Anthony Do?” After all, she, alongside Elizabeth Cady Stanton, spearheaded the suffragist movement, tirelessly advocating for women’s rights to vote. Did you know that she was arrested for attempting to cast a ballot?
On election day and beyond, we must honor those who believed in our right as women to have our own voices, political identities, and the ability to choose candidates who align with our values. We cannot allow our partners—or anyone else—to dictate our votes.
It is our right and responsibility to stay informed, engage in meaningful conversations, and research the issues that matter to us. We must use our voices and actively participate in the electoral process.
On that election day, my family and I returned home from school and work, piled into the car, and made our way to the polling place. My partner and I received our individual ballots and stepped into our booths, each in our own world, shielded from each other’s choices. Our children buzzed around us, and my daughter, peering over the booth, remarked, “Dad voted for that one, Mom.” I looked her squarely in the eye and said, “This is Mommy’s vote. Mommy gets to choose who she votes for today.” (That’s precisely what Susan B. Anthony would do!)
For more insights on navigating family decisions during the election, check out this post on intracervicalinsemination.org. And if you’re considering at-home insemination options, Make A Mom is a reputable retailer of at-home insemination syringe kits. Additionally, March of Dimes offers excellent resources for those exploring pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, our votes are our own, and we must exercise our rights with confidence and independence, honoring those who fought for this privilege.
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