Use it or Lose it

Dear Leading Ladies,

As the likes of Herschel Walker and his aggrieved son throw slings and arrows at each other while simultaneously singing Donald Trump’s praises, it can be tempting to question whether our election process is worth our time.

Yet, with Election Day less than a month away, although we begrudge the problems of voter suppression, gerrymandering, unequal access to voting opportunities, the systemic racism that pervades our society and halls of justice, and folks like the Walkers, we still need to cast our votes for candidates who stand for the values we hold dear.

It’s our only hope.

Piercecountywa.gov

Just to review, in Massachusetts, if you are going to be out of town on Tuesday, November 8, you can apply for a mail-in ballot by 5 pm on November 1 here.

Alternatively, you can vote early in your town or city between Saturday, October 22 and Friday, November 4. Each city and town will offer early voting in at least one location with some weekend voting available October 22-23 and October 29-30. Consult your community’s early voting schedule at www.VoteInMA.com.

Of course, if you are in town, vote in person at your usual voting poll site. If you have recently moved, you can find your voting location here.

If you are not registered to vote and live in Massachusetts, you have until October 29 to register and still be able to vote in the November 8 elections. Register here.

For those of you who do not live in Massachusetts, here is information about how to register to vote in other states. You can also Google “How to vote early in [name of state]?” “How to get a mail-in ballot in [state]?” and “Where do I vote in [state]”?

On the ballot in Massachusetts are candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, treasurer, auditor, and several representatives. You can view a complete list of those on the ballot here.

In addition, there are four ballot questions.

Question 1:

The first ballot question is commonly referred to as "Fair Share Amendment" or the "Millionaire's Tax." It would amend the Massachusetts Constitution and put an extra 4% tax on any state resident's personal income over $1 million. If someone had an income of $2 million dollars, their first $1 million would be taxed at the present 4%, and the second million would be taxed at 9%. Revenues are to be earmarked for education and transportation. Read more opinions about this question here.

Question 2:

The second ballot question would regulate dental insurance and force insurers to spend at least 83% of revenue from premiums on patient care or provide refunds. This change could be a model for reform in other states and be a real industry changer. Its main detractor is nonprofit insurer Delta Dental. Proponents say it will not raise consumer premiums.

Question 3:

This ballot question proposes raising the number of liquor licenses that an individual or company can hold from 9 to 18. Seven would be for all liquors and spirits; the rest for just beer and wine. The measure could hurt some package stores but help some convenience stores. It would also prohibit self-checkout of alcohol sales.

Question 4:

The fourth ballot question asks voters if the state should keep or repeal the new law which would allow people in the country illegally to apply for a driver’s license starting July 1, 2023 if they could provide the Registry of Motor Vehicles with a foreign passport or consular identification document. “They would also have to provide one of five additional documents: a driver’s license from another U.S. state or territory, a birth certificate, a foreign national identification card, a foreign driver’s license or a marriage certificate or divorce decree from any U.S. state or territory,” according to NBC.

To learn more about all the ballot questions, including pro and con arguments, click here. You can also attend an event sponsored by the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life at Tufts University on Monday, October 17 from noon to 1 pm. “Massachusetts Ballot Questions 2022: What You Need to Know” will be held in the Rabb Room of Barnum Hall on the Tufts campus in Medford. Register here.

Closer to the North Shore, the potential significance of the midterm elections — not just in Massachusetts, but throughout the country — will be considered when our sister organization, We Are America the Beautiful, hosts “Why the Midterm Elections Matter” with Dr. William Mayer, political science professor at Northeastern University. The event at Pingree School in South Hamilton on Thursday, October 20 will run from 6:30-8:00 pm. Admission is free but registration is requested here.

Speaking of looking beyond our state borders, there are candidates who still need our support, primarily financially, but also in person. The races in New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Georgia are crucial for all kinds of human rights issues. Force Multiplier is organizing canvassing efforts as well as phone banks. More information here (scroll down).

Changing laws is the way society changes. US senators and representatives, governors, state senators and representatives, mayors, and other elected officials are the ones who legislate and sponsor changes in the law. Our power lies in our votes that determine who fills those positions. Let’s use that power…and use it wisely.

See you at the polls,

Therese (she, her, hers)
Judy (she, her, hers)
Didi (she, her, hers)
Mackenzie (she, her, hers)
Leading Ladies Executive Team
leadingladiesvote.org
ladies@leadingladiesvote.org