Chloe Weeks

Participating in the election is one way that I was involved with the civic process this election year. This election was the first I was able to participate in. Being from North Carolina and now living in Washington D.C., I opted to vote using an absentee ballot. Initially, I thought voting this way was going to be confusing. But, completing it was fairly easy. Given that North Carolina is a swing state, I know how much power my vote holds. One vote could make all of the difference when determining who will be the next President of the United States. Historically, North Carolina swings red during elections. I wanted to ensure that I did my part as a North Carolinian and a U.S. citizen by partaking in the voting process. Important issues and altered policies would be present on the ballot, particularly those that would take full effect in my local area. Although North Carolina has progressive patches throughout the state, the majority would vote in favor of a candidate that would do more harm than good generally speaking, but especially pertaining to marginalized groups such as Black women. Being in the south, I believe it would be significantly more difficult to try to overturn these doings if the undesired candidate is elected. Healthcare, healthcare costs, and food costs are all factors that determine our biological wellbeing. Sufficient treatment should be provided to all individuals, but especially those with a record of being mistreated, such as Black women. Basic needs such as food to keep individuals healthy is also being deliberated, being that if prices increase it will be more challenging to obtain by certain groups. Although my ballot was absentee, I am glad to say that I was a voting North Carolinian with an accepted ballot.

To partake in my civic duties, I worked as a poll worker on Election Day. Given that I was involved in promoting civic engagement and voting throughout high school, it was only right that I was an individual working alongside this election, especially due to many biological and healthcare opportunities on the line. I was stationed to work at Arthur Capper Senior Center, a polling place being at that location. I stood outside along the sidewalks greeting incoming voters, encouraging them to vote blue and circle yes for Initiative 83. It was crucial for voters in this manner due to possible and likely shifts to come in our country's healthcare system and laws. Reproductive rights, a biological matter, is on the line. Many states along with the federal government have made indications of their desire to repeal these rights, with some states already putting restrictions into place. Women, particularly Black women, have suffered and will continue to due to these changes in reproductive rights and care. Those with pregnancy complications have died due to the lack of accessibility to care. Means to have contraceptives may be limited. Miscarriages are now strictly analyzed as women can face legal trouble if determined the miscarriage was "purposeful" or planned. For the Black community, this is the most dangerous. Historically and still in current times, Black women are the most undermined in healthcare, issues continuously being overlooked and without urgency. Concerns over the cost of insurance and healthcare is also very alarming, knowing it will directly impact Black and other underserved communities. As a Black woman, it was and will continue to be my responsibility to advocate for my community's rights although our cries have been ignored. Engaging at the polls, I was able to communicate my passions and relate to those who I would otherwise think were the opposite of me about the right to our bodies and choice with what to do with them. Campaigning for Initiative 83 was also a privilege, as areas that use the system elect more Black officials. Seeing the efforts reign success drives me to continue this work.

During this volunteering experience, I worked with the Kamala-Walz campaign doing phone banking to individuals in D.C. about Kamala's rally at the Ellipse and those in swing states. Connecting to Harris supporters before the election was extremely important to the turnout. The persistent contact hoped to lead to a greater turnout. Calling individuals in swing states could have made all the difference in the election given their vote could go either way. Extremely important biological issues were at stake. Many states along with the federal government have made indications of their desire to repeal these rights, with some states already putting restrictions into place. Women, particularly Black women, have suffered and will continue to due to these changes in reproductive rights and care. Those with pregnancy complications have died due to the lack of accessibility to care. Means to have contraceptives may be limited. Miscarriages are now strictly analyzed as women can face legal trouble if determined the miscarriage was "purposeful" or planned. For the Black community, this is the most dangerous. Historically and still in current times, Black women are the most undermined in healthcare, issues continuously being overlooked and without urgency. Concerns over the cost of insurance and healthcare is also very alarming, knowing it will directly impact Black and other underserved communities. As a Black woman, it was and will continue to be my responsibility to advocate for my community's rights although our cries have been ignored. Phone banking to connect with voters gave me the opportunity to stress the importance of keeping biologically-supportive treatments in place for individuals.

Voter registration is an aspect of civic engagement that I was apart of. Back at home in North Carolina, I was registered for voting when I received my driver's license. It was just as important to me then to be involved in the political system as it is now. There has always been issues and ideologies that I wished to see altered or removed, but the present-day predicament has pushed me to ensure that I am engaged. During this election, several policies and ideas will impact marginalized groups, specifically women, Black women, and the LGBTQIA+. As a Black woman living in America, it is imperative that my voice is heard alongside other Black demands and wishes. We have been slighted for centuries over decisions that should be made within ourselves, and over policies that can change the trajectory of our lives. By being an active voter, I hope to reduce the number of alterations that would negatively impact the biological practices and decisions we make along with the healthcare treatment and costs meeting our needs.