No Excuses, Moms: You Need to Vote

Updated October 2024

Election Day is mere weeks away, and early voting has already started. There’s a lot at stake in this election, and currently, we are all being bombarded with political ads, campaign phone calls, and endless online debates about the candidates.

As moms, we are busy, tired, and overwhelmed with responsibility for our families. It’s tempting to make excuses for not voting and try to justify sitting out this election. But, the results of this election could have profound impacts on YOUR family, so put away your excuses and get to the polls.

But I Don’t Have Anyone to Watch My Kids

Take them with you! Voting takes only a few minutes, and taking kids to the polls is one of the most valuable experiences you can give them. Your children’s ages will determine how you explain the voting process to them, but the most important message to convey is that we have the privilege in this country to help make choices about what happens here. And, hey…you can bribe them with “I Voted Today” stickers when you’re finished casting your ballot.

Pro Tip #1: Vote early {early voting started October 21, 2024}, and if you can, vote during the day on a weekday. It’s less crowded, and you likely won’t have to wait.

Pro Tip #2: You are allowed to bring paper notes or a printed voter’s guide into the voting booth with you {NO cell phones are allowed}. If you have your kids with you, it would be helpful to write down your picks just in case your little darlings become a distraction while you are trying to vote.

Pro Tip #3: Make voting a BIG DEAL. Hype it up. Take the kids for ice cream or other treat after you vote to sweeten the experience.

But I Don’t Know Anything About the Candidates

Unless you plan to vote straight ticket, this excuse is legitimately understandable, but fixable. Good or bad, all elections have consequences, and it’s important to make an informed decision about the candidates you vote for. Take some time to research the candidates; they all have websites with their platforms broken down by issue.

The League of Women Voters of Texas is a nonpartisan organization committed to educating voters and promoting democracy. They have a Voter’s Guide that gives information about each individual race and the candidates running.

But I Hate Politics

I know, I know. Politics, especially in today’s climate, makes you want to crawl into a fetal position and binge ice cream and Netflix. You don’t like conflict, and would rather see cute pictures of kids and puppies on social media than another political rant. I get it. But sorry Mama, you can’t sit this one out. Like it or not, you can’t not be political. The people serving our country as a result of our elections are making huge decisions that affect your everyday life. The roads you drive on, the schools your children attend, the healthcare you do or don’t have access to…all political.

This certainly doesn’t mean you have to voice your opinion on X or get into a political sparring match with your cousin’s random Facebook troll friend. Your political opinions and voting choices are no one’s business but yours, unless you choose to be vocal about them.

But, at a minimum, please do vote. Your vote counts.

But My Vote Doesn’t Really Count

Yes, it does. Every vote is literally counted, but also, your vote sends a message. It’s your voice. It matters where you stand on the issues, and voting is one of the most effective ways you take a stand for what and who you believe in.

Imagine if almost every eligible voter in our state actually voted in this election- what powerful outcomes and lasting change could result! Voting is both a right and a privilege- let’s not take that for granted.