Your voice matters, so get your ass to the polls

Tomorrow, women get the chance to do something amazing.

They get to tell their country what the hell is up--they get to vote. It's something we've only had the right to do since 1920.

And unless you’ve had the chance to vote early, we sure hope you’ll be lining up at the polls. This is a crucial election for women, with many issues at stake for us and those who love us.

Women are the New Men

In case you’ve been distracted by work, kids, natural disasters or football season, here's a little reminder to get your shit together and find your nearest poll station. And while many people say that they vote strictly on economic issues, issues that affect women are economic issues. We comprise half of the country, make up 60 percent of today’s college campuses and shoulder the bulk of caretaking responsibilities for children and elderly parents. Issues that affect women affect how much we’re able to contribute to the workforce and a thriving economy. Important shit.

With women making 82 cents for every dollar a man makes, income inequality is a huge issue for women and families. But even while women lag in earnings, we are now the majority of breadwinners in American homes—53 percent, according to a July 2012 study by Prudential Financial. Almost one-fourth of married women reported earning more than their husbands. Translation? Our opinions matter now more than ever.

In addition to healthcare, contraception, reproductive rights and equal pay, there are many other issues that affect women this election. Climate change, education, gun control and marriage equality are just a few.

And the vote isn’t just about the presidency. It’s also about electing a Congress that works with the president and with people of other parties to enact legislation that moves our country forward, while respecting women and giving us the freedom to make our own choices about our bodies.

State of Mind

At the state level, both Texas and Virginia recently proposed measures that would have required ultrasounds performed by a trans-vaginal probe in order to have an abortion, a procedure that is incredibly invasive and not medically required in any way. Texas also recently de-funded Planned Parenthood.

On a positive note, there are some forward-thinking measures on some local ballots. If you’re in California, Proposition 37 requires companies to label foods properly, so that consumers know if a product is truly organic or if it contains genetically modified organisms (GMOs). While it’s the law in China and Russia, it’s not required here—and food giants like Monsanto, DuPont, Dow and Bayer have spent more than $30 million trying to fight it. Of course, we say a big HELL YES to this bill.

So whichever side you're on, get your ass off the couch and make your opinion heard--we’ve come too far to go backwards.

Plus, you'll get a sticker.

Liz Farrington, Features Writer
A vegetarian who wishes she could stay vegan, Liz is a media professional and former editor at several fitness and lifestyle publications throughout Southern California. Now principal in Farrington Communications, she does sales, marketing, writing and editing for a range of clients. When she’s not shopping for leather-free handbags or deciding which companies to boycott, the Austin resident enjoys following liberal politics, detoxing at the co-op, scoping farmers’ markets and volunteering for animal rescue.