by LeAnn Harley
Marketing Communications Manager
YWCA National Capital Area, Washington, D.C.

August 26 – What a glorious day to celebrate the 92nd anniversary of the day the women’s suffrage battle was won. On August 26, 1920, the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution went into effect, guaranteeing women the right to vote.

Just imagine as a woman, not being able to vote in this year’s election. With all the issues concerning health care, employment, national debt, gas prices and most importantly women’s rights, it would be truly devastating to sit back and hope for the best without being allowed to properly voice our concerns on issues that directly impact women and families. That is why it is especially important to register and to vote in this year’s election.

Voting is a vital tool that anyone can employ in order to shape the policies that affect your life and the lives of loved ones. Voting is your opportunity to be heard, serves as your voice as an American citizen and also gives us the power to elect the best officials in positions that directly impact our community.

There are key election issues that will impact women this year which makes it even more critical for us to register and vote in 2012. The U.S. Senate’s failure to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act in June clearly showed us that there is definitely more work to do for women’s rights and it starts with us… the voters! Other issues that are of high concern, such as reproductive rights and general healthcare, are at stake. We must take stand in order for change to happen in women’s favor.

The YWCA National Capital Area is a proud partner in the YWCA USA’s YWCA Vote initiative and has launched a series of voter registration drives leading up to the deadlines to register to vote in October. We are targeting residents in our local community in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. “Our goal is to encourage and educate the community by showing them that registering to vote is a critical key step to voicing your concerns, regarding issues impacting us today,” said Tamara Smith, CEO of the YWCA NCA.

Many in our communities do not vote because they lack the necessary information needed to cast a ballot. Below is helpful information courtesy of our YWCA 2012 Voter Registration Drive partner, the League of Women Voters:

• Register to Vote – visit your state’s website to register online or if you’re in D.C., Maryland or Virginia stop by the YWCA NCA to pick up a voter registration form
• Make sure you know where to vote – Visit Vote411.org or call your local board of elections
• When to vote – Election Day is Tuesday, November 6, 2012.

Your future, your voice, your vote. Register and join us and millions of Americans as we vote on Tuesday, November 6!

LeAnn Harley serves as the marketing communications manager at the YWCA National Capital Area in Washington, D.C. She has been with the organization for two years. Visit the YWCA NCA on Facebook, Twitter or on the web at www.ywcanca.org.