Vote.

Election Day is finally here! Have you voted yet?

During my time on the campaign trail, I’ve encountered lots of people who told me they weren’t planning to vote at all. Partisan politics in Washington are polarizing and frustrating, especially when we need meaningful change right here in our backyards. But in fact, our frustration with what’s going on in our nation’s capital is exactly why it’s so important to vote in this election.

It’s not just the presidential candidates who are running for office right now. All of the races farther down on the ballot are incredibly important to our future—and often, they’re the candidates and issues where your vote truly does make a difference. Here’s why I hope you’ll exercise your right to vote if you haven’t already: 

5. It’s one of the easiest ways to be a good neighbor. Here on the Bench, I’m surrounded by awesome neighbors—folks who wave as they drive by and keep an eye on my house when I’m away. As I walked my dog through my neighborhood this fall, I’ve talked to many of my neighbors who are engaged in local politics, and I’m grateful to live in a community where people care. I’m voting in this election because I care deeply about our neighborhood, our city, and our state. Learn more about this issue

4. Refugees are a crucial part of our community. In my time working for US Citizenship & Immigration Services, I processed refugees from Syria, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Venezuela, Colombia, Somalia, and dozens of other countries. These folks may be seeking asylum from issues in their home countries, but we get a lot from them, too: different perspectives, exposure to new cultures, and an economic boost. We need elected officials who recognize that and are ready to welcome refugees into our community. Learn more about this issue

3. Criminal justice reform can’t wait. Right now, there are more than 8,600 people in prison in Idaho. Most of them are serving time for nonviolent offenses (over 70% of prison admissions in Idaho are for probation or parole violations). I envision a future where Idahoans who commit nonviolent crimes get opportunities to improve their lives and recover, rather than merely being punished. As the pandemic rages on, this issue is more urgent than ever before. I’ll fight to invest in the public defense system, eliminate mandatory minimums, and offer more alternatives to incarceration. Learn more about this issue

2. Everyone deserves a roof over their head. Home is everything. Unfortunately, as Idaho experiences unprecedented growth, not everyone has a place to call home. Last year, 973 evictions were filed and 2,246 people became homeless for the first time in Ada County alone. The housing crisis has only continued during the pandemic. When I’m not on the campaign trail I’m directing Jesse Tree, the Treasure Valley’s only nonprofit focused on preventing eviction and homelessness. As a State Senator, I’ll work to address rising property taxes for residential homeowners, get the state to invest in the housing trust fund, and come up with state-centered solutions to reduce evictions and foreclosures. Learn more about this issue

1. Change starts right here. Here in Idaho, where our state legislators are remarkably accessible, many of our laws start with constituents. There are innovative, effective local programs occurring all over the country—and as they gather momentum, they have the potential to create real change at a national level. In this election, we have an opportunity to create that momentum.

I love a good challenge. That’s why I always engaged with folks who told me they didn’t plan to vote, and I’m proud to tell you that lots of them did end up registering or deciding to vote after our conversations about local elections. Some of them will be voting in this election for the first time in many years. 

It’s also why you’ll find my name on the ballot for State Senate in District 17. I’m ready to work hard for your best interests, bring change to our state government, and restore civility to the State House. I hope you’ll cast your vote, and I’d be honored if you cast it for me.