Why Changemakers Emphasize the Importance of Voter Participation
Sherrilyn Ifill, a civil rights attorney, is urging Americans to vote in their local elections.
“I’m so tired of the magical thinking about democracy. I do need people to learn how the government works, and we have a tripartite system of government,” Ifill stated at the TIME Women’s Leadership Forum in New York City on Tuesday.
The event coincided with the first presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, and a panel on the art of advocacy featured actors, founder of Black Leaders Organizing Communities Angela Lang, and co-founder of the Voto Latino Foundation.
Ifill highlighted that while the upcoming presidential election is receiving much attention, many of the desired changes in the country rely on legislation passed by Congress—and local elections, often overlooked, have even greater influence. The 2020 presidential election witnessed high turnout, with about two-thirds of eligible Americans voting, whereas local elections often experience lower voter participation rates.
“If you’re not voting for those school board elections, then your kids aren’t going to be able to read Toni Morrison books, right?” said Ifill. This discussion arises as culture wars have intensified across the country, leading to restrictions on discussions about, among other issues.
Voting is the most effective way to make your voice heard. “We as people, all of us, each one of us, has the power to transform culture and democracy in our participation,” Washington, who collaborates with various voting organizations, told TIME editor in chief Sam Jacobs.
Kumar believes that organizations working to engage Gen Z voters need greater support. “They will be the difference,” says Kumar. “Focus on organizations that are literally growing that electoral base, that are telling people that democracy is not icky, but that it’s incredibly effective the moment they jump in. Because once you convince a young person that they can change the world, not only do they start voting, but then they start running for office. Then they start changing our school board. But they need that hope.”
As candidates strive to garner support from Americans, particularly communities of color, panelists emphasized the importance of meaningful engagement with Black and Latino communities. “We’re not just talking to our community when we want to engage around elections,” said Lang. “I think when that is rooted in the joy of the community, that level of organizing goes from transactional to transformative.”
The TIME100 Women’s Leadership Forum was presented by Barbie, Deloitte, and ŌURA.