The atmosphere was electric as we gathered in the makeshift calling center, surrounded by plastic tables scattered haphazardly in the storage room. Conversations about the upcoming election filled the air, creating a cacophony of opinions and stories that felt like a round of “Kumbaya” gone awry. The scent of pepperoni and sausage wafted through the room, with grease-stained boxes piled high, providing sustenance for the tireless volunteers. Amid the buzz, campaign workers engaged in a friendly competition of voter anecdotes, sharing their most memorable interactions. My script lay next to my phone, filled with prompts about healthcare, education, and job creation. However, I wasn’t ready for a recurring response that left me scratching my head.
“My partner tells me how to vote.”
I initially thought that women might hesitate to share this sentiment, but I was met with the same casual admission more than once. “My partner tells me how to vote.”
These women were a diverse group, yet they shared a common trait: a willingness to relinquish their voting rights to their partners, allowing them to dictate their political party, candidates, and, shockingly, the issues that mattered most to them.
Looking back, I regret not probing further into their choices to surrender their right to vote. Instead, I merely paused, thanked them for their time, and moved on to the next call. My mother always took me to the polls, where we would engage in lively discussions about politics and our beliefs. I aspire to instill the same values in my children, teaching them the importance of making informed decisions that impact our family and community. So, it’s baffling to me that these women would hand over a pivotal choice like voting as if it were inconsequential.
Voting is a privilege that has been fought for through blood, violence, and the unwavering courage of countless women throughout American history. My vote belongs to ME.
When you feel tempted to silence your voice on political matters, skip an election, or, worse yet, step into the voting booth with someone else’s choice in mind, remember the women who fought for your right to cast a ballot this election day.
It would be fitting to don wristbands emblazoned with “What Would Elizabeth Cady Stanton Do?” Stanton, alongside Susan B. Anthony, championed the suffrage movement, tirelessly advocating for women’s voting rights. You might recognize Anthony’s image on the dollar coin. She was even arrested for attempting to vote!
As election day approaches, let’s honor those sisters who believed that women deserve their own voices, political identities, and the autonomy to vote for candidates who align with our values.
We must not allow our partners—or anyone else—to dictate our votes.
It is our right and responsibility to stay informed, engage in discussions about the election, and make our voices heard.
On election day, we piled into the car after a long day of school and work, excitedly heading to the polling place. My partner and I received our ballots, each finding our own booth, happily shielded from one another’s choices. Our kids dashed between us. My son, who had a perfect view over the booth, shouted, “Mom, Dad picked that candidate!”
I met his gaze and said, “This is Mommy’s vote. Mommy decides for herself today.” (And you know, that’s exactly what Elizabeth Cady Stanton would do too.)
This article was originally published on October 10, 2016.