Your Vote
A quotation from Rebecca Solnit concisely explains the concept of strategic voting.
What I read: Quotation from Rebecca Solnit.
Unlike most of my typical posts that reference a book, article, or video I’ve read or watched, this one is inspired by a quotation by the esteemed writer, historian, and activist, Rebecca Solnit.
Voting is a chess move, not a valentine.
I’ve seen this quotation rephrased several ways, but to the best of my knowledge this is the original wording. Solnit herself referenced this wording in her February 22, 2024 Twitter/X tweet.
In these heated political times, I’ve referenced Solnit’s quotation often during political discussions. Especially when I witness someone’s support being withdrawn from a candidate because of a single issue even when that candidate otherwise generally aligns well with the person’s politics.
I’m 70 years old. I’ve been voting since I could vote because I believe it’s my civic duty to do so. It feels wrong to live in what thus far has been a robust democracy and not participate in the process through the simple act of voting. I don’t understand people who don’t vote. When I encounter such people, even if my facial expression doesn’t reflect my insides, privately I’m judging them harshly. I see voting as incredibly important and integral to maintaining a better life for all Americans (or in any democratic country where the population can vote).
I’ve never voted for the perfect candidate because such a candidate doesn’t exist. They never will. No candidate will ever align 100% with the totality of someone’s individual politics. It’s just not realistic.
So, as we approach perhaps the most important election of my lifetime, it seems like a good idea to yet again foster the mindset that one’s vote is not a love letter to a candidate, but rather a chess move to strategically move forward in the best direction possible.
On a personal level, I believe:
women should have full access to the reproductive health care they want and need.
people of color deserve fair and equitable treatment.
LGBTQ people deserve their civil rights.
climate change is the existential threat of our time.
democracy can only sustain if elections and the people and courts who oversee them are without political bias.
Social Security and Medicare are important programs that keep millions of seniors out of poverty.
I could go on.
It’s rather clear where my political leanings reside. If not, let me be directly clear. If I or anyone who agrees with all or most of those statements is voting in November 2024, electing Democrats is the only chess move that makes any sense.
All that said, here is the portion of the post where I encourage you to:
Register to vote if you’re not already.
If already registered, check that your registration is active and accurate.
Talk to everyone you know and encourage them to register or check their registration.
And, most importantly, vote in November, and in every future election.
You can register or check your registration at IWillVote.com.
Be a voter. Be someone who makes your voice heard in how you want your city, state, and national governments to be run. Sitting on the sidelines is not a solution. Sitting on the sidelines is what those who want to take our rights away hope you’ll do.
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