If you look up the etymology of the word “democracy,” you will find out that it translates from the ancient Greek meaning “people rule” or “people power.” Despite our power, not so many of us choose to exercise it. In the midterm elections of 2018, according to NPR, over 100 million of us voted - hitting a new record. NPR called the turnout “massive” with a 47+% turnout. That means that approximately 53% of us who were eligible to vote didn’t. WOW! We can do better. More people - everyone who can vote - should vote. At Moms Across America we believe that it is important for everyone to participate in the future of our towns, country, and planet. We want you to vote. If you need some motivation, here are 10 reasons. We’re sure you can think of even more.

1. You can vote. According to Pew approximately 6 out of 10 countries globally qualify as democracies. That means that 4 out of 10 don’t qualify as democracies. Since you have been given the right to vote, you should exercise that right every chance you get.
   
   
2. You have the right. If you aren’t a white man at one point in time you didn’t have the right to vote. Men of color were not allowed to vote until the passing of the Fifteenth Amendment in 1870. For women it wasn’t until the passing of the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920 - just 100 short years ago - that women were given the right to vote. No matter how long the lines, or what the weather is, or who doesn’t want you to vote today (because it still happens) - don’t let them take your vote away from you.
   
   
3. You care about your country and countrymen and women. "I found very strong evidence that people who vote tend to be highly altruistic, and people who don't vote tend to be much more self-interested," says Richard Jankowski, PhD, chair of the political science department at State University of New York, Fredonia, who published his findings in Rationality and Society (Vol. 19, No. 1).

Your vote counts. Don’t believe it? Here are some examples:

• Richard Nixon, not John F. Kennedy, would have become President of the U.S. in 1960 if one person from each voting place had voted differently.
• If just one U.S. Senator had voted differently, President Andrew Johnson would have been removed from office in 1867.
• Texas might not have become part of the United States in 1845 if one U.S. Senator had voted differently. The vote was 27 - 25 and in the event of a tie Texas would not have been asked to become part of the Union.

"A wise man will not leave what is right to the mercy of chance, nor wish it to prevail through the power of the majority." - Thoreau

5.  You want to be heard. Voting is your voice on so many issues. Not voting is giving up your voice. Never give up!

6.  You want to set a good example for your children and grandchildren. They’re always watching, listening, and learning from you. Enough said.

7.  You believe in change. Change - positive change - can happen in the blink of an eye.

8.  You are going to have to live with the consequences, and you can’t complain if you don’t participate. You know you can’t leave your family’s future up to other people...everyone feels differently.

"If people won't vote for good candidates...because we think they won't win, why will good candidates continue to run?" - Eric and Rachel Jones

9.  Your community depends on you. The phrase “it takes a village,” was never so true as when referring to elections. You are part of a larger tribe. No man is an island. Don’t let your team down.

10  You will sleep better. At the end of the day, no matter what the election results, you will know you did your part. When you are proud of who you are being, a responsible and active member of society, no matter what comes your way, peace will reside within you.

In addition to voting, we ask you to consider your vote wisely this election. We are at a crucial time when our elected officials are making decisions that will impact our current and future generations in critical ways. Do the research and find out...is my candidate funded by Big Ag, Big Oil, or Big Pharma? If so, they are already bought. They will not make decisions based on your best interest, health, and safety, but instead based on the interests of the corporations, which are growing their profit and maintaining control over regulations.

No matter what your party, cast your vote for the people...find a candidate who is funded by the people and not by large corporations that are polluting our planet. Our children will thank you!

See you at the polls!

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