Financial Feminist – 98. Your Body on the Ballot: How to Get Involved this Election Cycle with Emily Tisch Sussman

Intro

In this episode of the “Financial Feminist” podcast, host Emily Tisch Sussman invites political strategist Emily Tisch Susman to discuss the importance of getting politically involved, especially during election cycles. They explore the impact of voting, the significance of local elections, and the pressing issues that can be addressed through civic engagement.

Main Takeaways

Importance of Voting and Political Involvement

• Voting is a crucial way to create change and ensure that our voices are heard.
• Engaging in issues such as abortion access, gun rights, and the environment through voting, protesting, donating, and canvassing can help shape society.
• Participating in local and state elections is just as important as national elections.

Impact of Elections and Political Control

• The national election rate for 2022 was the second highest in four decades, indicating increased voter participation.
• While turnout among 18 to 29-year-olds has declined since 2018, those over 65 have shown higher voter turnout, giving them greater influence on policies.
• Democrats have the potential to flip the House and Senate if President Biden is reelected, leading to the passage of important policies such as national paid leave and the Pregnancy Fairness Workers Discrimination Act.

Protecting Reproductive Rights

• Reproductive autonomy can only be achieved if Democrats control the House, Senate, and presidency.
• Roe v. Wade was overturned a year ago, resulting in a state-by-state approach to abortion laws with extreme bans and restrictions.
• Even individuals in blue states are not fully protected, as anti-women’s body caucuses continue to push for restrictions on abortion access.

Engaging Voters and Overcoming Barriers

• Engaging voters requires appealing to their personal values and making a convincing argument for the candidate or initiative.
• Voter registration can be challenging due to purging and incorrect addresses, so it’s important to regularly check and update registration information.
• Programs like Vote.org provide reminders and information about upcoming elections and early voting.

Summary

Importance of Political Engagement and Voting

Emily Tisch Susman emphasizes the significance of voting and political involvement in effecting change. By participating in elections, individuals have the power to influence policies and ensure that their voices are heard. Engaging in local and state elections is just as crucial as national elections, as decisions made at these levels directly impact communities. Tisch Susman encourages individuals to get involved in issues they care about, such as abortion access, gun rights, and the environment, through various means like voting, protesting, donating, and canvassing.

Protecting Reproductive Rights and the Need for Democratic Control

The discussion highlights the urgent need for Democrats to gain control of the House, Senate, and presidency in order to protect reproductive rights. Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, individual states have implemented strict abortion laws, resulting in limited access for many women. Even in blue states, anti-women’s body caucuses continue to push for further restrictions. The importance of Democratic control is emphasized as it would enable the passage of essential policies like national paid leave and the Pregnancy Fairness Workers Discrimination Act.

Overcoming Barriers and Engaging Voters

The conversation delves into the barriers that hinder voter engagement and the importance of overcoming them. Voter registration can be complex, with issues such as purging and incorrect addresses preventing eligible voters from casting their ballots. Regularly checking and updating registration information is crucial to ensure accurate voter registration. Programs like Vote.org provide valuable resources, including reminders and information about upcoming elections and early voting. The discussion also highlights the significance of appealing to personal values and making persuasive arguments to engage voters effectively.

Conclusion

Emily Tisch Sussman and Emily Tisch Susman emphasize the power of individual actions in creating positive change. They encourage listeners to prioritize political engagement, from participating in elections to supporting local organizations and initiatives. By shifting our mindset from “me” to “we” and taking small actions, we can collectively make a significant impact on society and create a better future for all.