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October 22, 2020 //  //       //  Opinion

The Year of the Voter

By: Kristal Swim

With a few days to the U.S. election, 2020 has shaped up to be the year of the voter. Hear me out. A global health pandemic, protests for social justice, economic turmoil and natural disasters rightfully dominate the landscape. But with the fall election approaching, we are uniquely situated to embrace our position as the true decision makers in this representative democracy.

The late Congressman John Lewis noted, "Nothing can stop the power of a committed and determined people to make a difference in our society. Why? Because human beings are the most dynamic link to the divine on this planet."

COVID-19 took an already simmering pot of important issues – healthcare, economy, climate change, racial inequity, education – and turned up the heat. Policy items affecting daily lives have taken on a new sense of urgency. For more than seven months, we have balanced, pivoted and re-examined most every aspect of our lives. 2020 has shifted our outlook on policy issues that will impact generations. The extra attention on a unique election season has emboldened an electorate to speak up. Those who vote will shape our short- and long-term outlooks.

Life is busy, and it is easy to get frustrated and overwhelmed by the constant barrage of information. However, 2020 has taught us what Lewis wrote – that our voice can make a difference. Individuals, brands, teams and organizations embrace the opportunity to engage one another and shape the future.

Through issue campaigns, thought leadership platforms, civic engagement and employee opportunities, entities have helped to pave the way for safe, convenient access to the ballot. They also joined forces with organizations that impact issues in communities every day from clean water to internet access. Additionally, they have increased opportunities for voting – encouraging colleagues to cast their ballots. For example, Time to Vote, a nonpartisan effort for companies that want to contribute to the culture shift needed to increase voter participation in our country's elections, continues adding partners from national chains to local shops.

With generation-defining issues dominating our headspace, I encourage you to take a moment – and vote. We are the dynamic link to our future.  

After all, 2020 is the year of the voter.

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