VOTE!
By: Maggie Laubscher
This week, the rights of our bodies are at stake. Our Black community’s lives are at stake. Our health is at stake. It’s a lot, and we are right here with you, Nellies. We are indeed all in this together. So this week, take special care of yourselves. Drink water, take breaks, hang with your friends if you can. And of course, vote. For our voting guide, head here.
“The future depends entirely on what each of us does every day; a movement is only people moving.”
The way forward is to vote. If you haven’t voted already, go now. And take these lists with you! We’ve compiled two voter cheet sheets for you, outlining candidates’ stance on abortion. Take them to the polls and send them to friends:
Our Nelle community is strong of heart and mind. In the words of some of our Nellies, here is what voting means to us:
Lauren Merriman, Nelle founder
‘This term has been very emotional for me. I feel like there is a war on women’s access to safe health care -- I’m a massive supporter of Planned Parenthood as I had a baby alone at 19 years old. Planned Parenthood helped me decide to keep my baby when I went in alone and scared, seeking termination. They also provided all my well visits and counseling. I can’t describe how life changing that experience was. I’m voting to help ensure all people have that access to that.’
Hannah Vick
‘I am committed to my community, my friends, and my family, and voting is one way I express that commitment. I will have their back in the ballot box, and I know they’ll have mine.’
Maria O’Dell
‘As a first generation American on my mother’s side and second on my father’s, I know all too well the privileges of voting. It’s our responsibility to those who sacrificed that we learn about the issues and decide the kind of country we want at the ballot box!’
Ilyssa Block
‘This is the most critical election ever for the planet. We need to elect officials who will do everything they can to combat climate change because we are literally running out of time to have a safe earth for our children’s future.’
Mary Kemper Wolf
‘Vote like your life depends on it. Because it does. Vote for all the people who can’t vote. Vote as an act of resistance or civic joy. Just vote. This election is the most crucial in a century.’
Jane Ehinger
‘Voting is the price we pay for getting to live in a democracy. And we get a lot of bang for our buck, so ya gotta do it! Voting is also a fundamental way to show that you care about other people. It’s an easy and necessary way to protect our most vulnerable citizens by supporting candidates and ballot initiatives with them in mind, not just ourselves.’
Susannah Sotos
‘I vote to protect my body. I vote for those who fought for my right to vote. I vote for my children’s future.’
Chandra Clark
‘Voting is not only a human right, it’s our birthright. We must honor ourselves and the blood, sweat and tears that our ancestors shed for us to have this right. Vote!’