Does My Vote Really Count?

Voices United volunteers; register to vote and make your voice heard.

Voices United volunteers; register to vote and make your voice heard.

Vicki Baker

“Yes!” Voices United shouts out loud and clear. Voting is the hallmark of our democracy, and we all have a responsibility to do our part in ensuring all citizens are informed and engaged. Every eligible voter should have a fair and equal opportunity to cast their ballot. But in order to do so, they must be registered.

This year, the women of the progressive Robson Ranch organization Voices United (VU) felt that simply voting wasn’t enough. It was more important than ever that we take steps to help as many people as possible turn out to vote—early, by mail, or on Nov. 3. Our goal is to make sure all eligible Americans, especially under-represented groups such as first-time voters, non-college youth, new citizens, communities of color, and low-income Americans, had the opportunity to register and vote.

Under the direction of Indivisible Denton, members of VU volunteered to distribute voter registration applications to Denton County residents. Although, restricted by Texas law from actually registering an eligible voter, the distribution of application forms was well within the law.

Driven by her strong advocacy to ensure every citizen’s right to vote, Elaine Kushmaul rounded up a group of volunteers from VU: Vicki Baker, Jane Scholz, Cheri Kennedy, Margo Ways, and Denise Marusak, to undertake the task. Over a two-week period, the combined teams of VU and Indivisible Denton delivered in excess of 16,000 voter registration cards to apartment units located throughout the city.

Voting is one of our most important rights as citizens, making our country and democracy ever stronger, and Voices United took to the streets promoting one of the most impactful things we can do for ourselves and for our communities.

If this outreach into the community resonates with you, then visit Voices United. Luncheon meetings are held the first Saturday of each month, at 11:30 a.m., at the Robson Ranch Clubhouse, where a non-partisan group of progressive women share ideas and actions. For more information, contact Tracy Olson at [email protected].