The commercials, the debates, the text messages and the emails can only indicate one thing – it is election season. Although there are less than 30 days left until Election Day, we are all either exhausted or exhilarated by the change of the reigns that will come on November 6th. Regardless of your political affiliation, the road to the Whitehouse goes directly through women and especially moms.
It could all be so simple. The candidate presents the issue and a way to solve it. We go to the polls, vote for that candidate and we are done. Unfortunately, our democracy requires us to view opposing sides and it can be confusing to dissect. This is my attempt to compartmentalize all the noise because this is not just an election for us, but for our children as well. Whatever happens can change the way our government operates for years to come. This is our opportunity to make the world better and as moms those are the things that should drive our decisions during election season.
Issue 1: Healthcare
Healthcare for moms is a fundamental need. Because of that, we want to continue to ensure that caregivers have access to the best healthcare for their children and families. This means affordable medications, mental healthcare and even health insurance. For example, allowing children to be on their caregivers’ insurance until the age of 26 is currently a major beneficial policy. These things fall under the Affordable Care Act, which is currently on the line this election season. Understanding your benefits and how your family could be impacted is something you want to educate yourself on when taking a look at this year’s candidates.
Issue 2: Paid Family Leave
If you are a working parent, paid family leave would allow you more time home with your family. In fact, most countries already have implemented paid family leave. The goal is to allow caregivers to have the time at home without having a financial setback. Having the support of a paid family leave has been successful in other countries, and the extra support postpartum is extremely helpful.
Issue 3: Climate Change
Hurricane season has shown us that the weather is not letting up. It is warmer longer into the year and we are experiencing warmer winters. Everyone can agree that Mother Nature is trying to get our attention, so we need to give her a little more TLC. Take some time to read about the candidates and what their stance on climate change currently is as well as how it aligns with taking care of our planet for generations to come.
Issue 4: Protecting Our Children and Gun Violence
Let’s be real – we have never heard more about the second amendment as much as we have in the past few years. And while guns are a hot button issue, no one wants to hear about more shootings and gun violence of any kind. But the most comprehensive thing I have heard is that everyone wants common sense laws to protect our children. So consider what each candidate plans to do in order to tackle gun violence in our country.
There are so many more issues affecting mothers but for me, no matter what side of the issues you fall on, mothers are bipartisan because in most cases we have to do so. It is challenging when there are so many issues throw at us at once and overwhelming when everyone keeps saying this election is “consequential.” And it all can get a bit noisy! In short, I hope that my little breakdown offers a some clarity when it comes to the polls. Happy voting!
