By Staff Writer Clay Wright 

Your civic duty as an American citizen is to participate in the democratic process using the fundamental right to vote. Voting is a crucial tool used for making your voice heard at the local, state, and national levels. Your vote at the poll gives you a voice on the issues most important to you and helps decide who will take care of the issues you care most about, like veteran affairs, human rights, the education system, and climate change. The leaders we elect may sail the ship, but we are their guiding compass.

The American Legion Auxiliary is an institution with 99.72% of its members being female. The ALA was founded in 1919 before women were granted the right to vote. For 100 years, activists and political reformers — including many of the Auxiliary’s founding members — fought tirelessly to gain equal access to voting. Making the choice not to vote could be considered disrespectful to the legacy of all the women who fought decades to earn all women in the future the right to vote. To continue the efforts of our foremothers, all Auxiliary members should not only exercise their right to vote, but they should also encourage all citizens to participate in our democracy.

By refraining from or refusing to vote, you are also supporting the “status quo,” either intentionally or unintentionally. Not voting also means you are allowing other people to choose what happens that directly affects your life. Although voting is a fundamental right for every American citizen, many citizens still experience barriers that prevent their vote from being cast. The privilege of being able to vote is a power that many still do not have equitable access to. You can use the power you have to speak up and create change for a better, more equitable future. Cast your ballot for leaders who will create positive change on the issues that matter most.

You can register to vote or check your registration status at www.vote.gov.