atheistforhumanity:

Midterm Reminder

If you’re a young person like myself (I’m still claiming that for now), then you’re probably not in the habit of reviewing everyone who will be on your local ballot during an election. In fact, for most of my adult life I only cared about the presidency and sometimes the house and senate. I’ve only become increasingly interested in politics in the last few years. So I don’t blame anyone for not being very informed about candidates that aren’t making the news.

That being said, I’ve learned that my lack of interest is a large part of why I don’t see the changes I’ve been so passionate about since I was a teen. I knew what I wanted to happen, but the truth is that I didn’t understand how to make it happen. One of the ways we can do this is by paying more attention to our state and local elections.

Let me tell you about two positions that make a huge difference in your community, yet they usually run unopposed. Your local sheriff and DA are incredibly important in shaping your community and dispensing justice or injustice.

The District Attorney especially has an amazing spectrum of powers that include being able to pick and choose who to prosecute and how harshly. Why do police keep getting away with murdering black men and kids on camera? The DA. If we can elect progressive DAs then we can curb racial prejudice in the justice system, harsh sentencing for low offensive, especially traffic tickets and other minor ordinances, and so many reforms that are needed. Bottom line, paying attention to both of these positions will make a big difference.

Other positions such as your state governor and state legislature effect you directly and are the people most likely to create or ruin job opportunities for your industry. Pay attention to these people. At least get a brief overview so you know who you’re voting for.

Let’s show up this November in mass numbers, because this is the most important midterm election in a long time, and the 2020 election may be the most important of your lifetime.