Why Your VoteS Matter So Much

Yes, that’s votes, plural. As important as the presidential race is, it will take more than winning the White House to restore democracy. So, all of your votes, up and down ballot, are essential.

These poll numbers from this morning are great, exhilarating even. But they are national numbers, reflecting the popular vote. As we all know, Presidents are elected by the Electoral College, with votes apportioned by state. Candidates can, and do—Hillary Clinton—win the popular vote but lose the race. That means every last vote counts, and especially in swing states.

There’s an important flag on why all of your votes matter in Morning Playbook today. In this scenario, Harris wins, but Republicans hold onto the House. Do you trust Speaker Johnson to tell Trump no? Not to do Trump’s bidding and throw the election into the House of Representatives, where Trump would most likely win? If you don’t, your vote for your representative and your work to encourage people to vote in districts where a Democrat can win are critical.

There is, of course, more. It's the votes in the Senate, because if a President Kamala Harris’ party doesn't control the Senate, she may not be able to get federal judges confirmed or pass Supreme Court reform. Winning both houses of Congress is essential to passing other desperately needed reforms that will strengthen our fragile democracy and create a better future.

Your down ballot votes matter too, as we elect state officials, mayors, sheriffs, judges, and school boards across the country. School boards, which MAGA Republicans have targeted with candidates who will ban books and restrict the ideas kids are exposed to. Civics education? Not on their watch.

It's National Voter Registration Day. Did you register or help someone register today? Share your stories.

The day isn’t over yet. There is still time to remind a friend to register! You may think everyone you know is all set, but I’ve been surprised in a number of recent conversations to learn that sometimes, people just need a little nudge or a reminder, especially if they’ve recently moved or are a student away from home. So go ahead and make those calls.

Don't leave anything on the table this election. Democracy is on the ballot. Our future is on the ballot. We cannot say that enough. A Trump win would have devastating consequences. For those of us who follow the news closely, that’s gospel. But for people with less time or who are less engaged, your conversation may be the one that helps them understand the importance of voting. They need to hear that from you, a trusted friend.

Never doubt the importance of hundreds of thousands of people engaging in civil discourse in their communities. We are doing the work of democracy. My thanks to those of you whose paid subscriptions provide financial support for the work I do. If you’re not already a paid subscriber, I hope you’ll consider upgrading, but either way, I’m glad you’re here with me.

We’re in this together,

Joyce