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November 6, 2018 | Deeds Digest No. 123
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Hello #Changemakers!
It's election day and, as my good friend Cecile Richards pointed out to me this morning, if candidates with a progressive agenda win today, it will be because women made it happen.
You've heard a lot about the record number of women running for office in this cycle, women who looked up after the 2016 election and said to themselves, "I can no longer sit back and count on male officeholders to adequately represent me, I've got to step up to the plate myself." I distinctly recall that feeling as a primary motivator for why I ran for governor in 2014. In Texas, issues of importance to women had been directly under assault for some time -- from a massive defunding of our kid's schools, to huge disinvestments in women's healthcare, to outright attacks on our reproductive freedoms. But in the 2014 electoral climate, we didn't see the determined force of women as activists, organizers, donors, volunteers and most importantly, as voters, that we are seeing in this cycle.
As Cecile noted, women are notably more likely to say that they are extremely interested in these midterms (63% women, 55% men). And in states like Texas, Florida and Tennessee, 54% of the early vote turnout came from women, while in Georgia, 56% of it came from women. Anger appears to be the motivating factor, with women demonstrating that they are consistently angrier than men about every issue they are polled on. What's driving their votes? Health care is #1. This comes as no surprise to me, considering the ongoing assault on our access to healthcare. Opposition to Trump and his agenda is especially motivating as well, with 41% of women (compared to 25% of men) who say they will vote to send a signal of opposition to the divisive, misogynistic, racist rhetoric of our President.
If we do make gains on our issues tonight through the election of candidates who have spoken favorably to them, it will be because of women, particularly women of color. We are the largest voting bloc in the country and, to quote Cecile, "we have unleashed the most powerful political force this country has ever seen."
YOU, my #Changemaker friend, are a significant part of that. Thank you for your energy, for voting your rage as well as your hope, and for believing enough in the power of your single voice that you stepped up to the plate to change the direction of this country. That change begins tonight. And it begins because of you.
Much love,
-wendy
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#TeamDeeds spent #ElectionEve with our #Changemakers at Hockaday High School! Young people and first-time voters are showing up in record numbers at the polls this election. We pledged to take on #ElectionDay by making sure our friends and family get out to vote!
We ARE the generation that chooses love over hate. ✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿🌈 And we're stepping up in force to demonstrate just that in this election and in the elections to come.
It’s not too late to make history, #Changemakers! Who will YOU bring to the voting booth today? #TagYourSquad
See you at the polls! 🗳🧡
Claudia Yoli Ferla
Director of Student Outreach and Organizing
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Okay okay... we know we've been focusing on this a lot lately, but this is the LAST TIME we will be asking you to finalize your voting plan. Polls are open RIGHT NOW, so this is your final shot to get to the ballot box!
If you haven't already (and we really hope you have) here's a link where you can find your polling location as well as a rundown of everything you need to bring with you to the polls: headcount.org/voter-info/
Also, if you have any difficulty casting your vote, make sure you contact the Election Protection Hotline (866-OUR-VOTE)!
🇺🇸Thank you for doing your civic duty 🇺🇸
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This Week's #Changemaker:
Young Women Voters
This week’s #Changemaker is a collective: all of the young American women who are showing up and VOTING in this midterm election. If you are one of them, or you plan to be, thank you!!
Young women have the power to change American government, and you're certainly using it in this election. You’re casting votes to elect women to office, helping to rectify the wide gender gap in Congress. And you are bringing your own political perspective to the table, retaking control of conversations about health care and abortion rights.
If you’re eligible to vote, then vote! Get to the polls today! If you've already voted, take the time to motivate a friend or two to do the same! If you live in Texas, check out govotetexas.org to find your polling place. Young American women can and will make their voices heard! And you WILL be the difference in this election.
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