Voters’ Guide On The Issues: What to Consider When Voting

Today, I will be taking you through important issues to consider when voting, including guns, healthcare, reproductive health, and a few others.

Guns and Mass Shootings: For me, this is the most important issue because this is the most concerning issue that is not on the ballot. Whoever you vote for, please make sure guns are on your mind for every candidate you vote for. There have been over 440 mass shootings so far this year, and if we as a country do not make a change, we will see this trend continue upward. All people, not just those of my generation, should be concerned and ready to take a stance on this issue.

Healthcare: This is also a very important issue to me as a person with disabilities and who is immunocompromised. Health insurance has put a lot of people in debt and has made healthcare inaccessible for many people as well. There is also a lot of misinformation regarding vaccines and other health problems. Just like with every other issue, please make sure to check your sources of information.

Reproductive Healthcare: I understand this issue is very divisive and has a lot of vocal opinions on both sides. I do not believe abortion is an issue that the government should make, and it should be made between a woman and her doctor. I understand that there needs to be restrictions, but when Roe v. Wade was overturned, it gave states the power to ban and restrict abortion, restricting the rights of women all over the country and making it more difficult for women to access important emergency healthcare.

Civil Rights: November is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and people should think about this every time they step into a voting box and remember everyone who came before us and gave us the opportunities we have today. We also need to remember the civil rights leaders who fought for African Americans to have the right to vote and all the other rights that they have today. While voting, think about these trailblazers who made representation possible and who made it plausible for a diverse body of government.

Workers’ Rights: If you are in a union or know people who are in unions, they always give endorsements to candidates who support unions and who fight for workers’ rights. Union workers are the backbone of our economy and help to ensure that our workforce is moral and that it creates a strong worker-centered environment.

Before you step into the ballot box, consider different issues, and inform yourself on those issues most important to you to help you choose the candidate who best aligns with your own beliefs.