Nobody Dictates My Vote—Especially Not My Partner

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The atmosphere was electric with discussions of the upcoming election. In our makeshift phone bank, plastic tables were scattered around the storage room. The chatter was a chaotic symphony of political issues, reminiscent of a group sing-along where everyone starts and ends at different times. The scent of pepperoni and sausage wafted through the air, with greasy boxes piled high—fuel for the dedicated volunteers. Amid the calls, campaign workers were busy trying to one-up each other with tales of their interactions with voters. I had a script beside me, complete with prompts for topics like healthcare, education, and job growth. However, I was taken aback by a recurring response during my conversations: “My husband tells me how to vote.”

I initially thought women might feel more hesitant to share such sentiments with another woman, but the phrase came up more than once, nonchalantly. It was alarming to witness a common thread among these women—their willingness to cede their voting rights and allow their husbands to dictate their political affiliations, candidates, and, most shockingly, the issues that mattered most to them.

In hindsight, I wish I had probed deeper. Why relinquish such a personal decision? Instead, I paused, thanked them, and moved on. My mother took me to vote, and we openly discussed our beliefs, so it was hard for me to grasp how such an important choice could be handed over like it was insignificant.

Voting is a privilege fought for through sacrifice, struggles, and the courage of countless women in American history. My vote belongs to ME.

As election day approaches, it’s vital to remember the women who paved the way for us to have our voices heard. Instead of following the lead of others, maybe we should consider wearing wristbands that say, “What Would Susan B. Anthony Do?” After all, she, alongside Elizabeth Cady Stanton, spearheaded the suffragist movement, fighting tirelessly for women’s right to vote. Did you know she was arrested for attempting to cast a ballot?

On election day, we owe it to our sisters who believed in our right to express our own political identities. We must not allow our partners, or anyone else, to dictate our votes.

It is our duty to stay informed, research, and make decisions on the issues that affect us. It’s our right to engage in conversations about the election. Most importantly, it’s our responsibility to cast our votes.

On the day of the election, my family and I returned home after a busy day of school and work. We piled into the car and headed to our polling station. My husband and I each received our own ballots, standing in separate booths, shielded from each other’s choices. Our kids darted back and forth, and my daughter, peeking over the platform, exclaimed, “Dad voted for that one, Mom.” I looked her straight in the eye and replied, “This is Mommy’s vote. Mommy gets to decide who she votes for today.” (You know that’s exactly what Susan B. Anthony would do!)

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Summary:

This article reflects on the importance of women making their own voting decisions, inspired by personal experiences and historical context. It emphasizes the responsibility to honor the sacrifices made for women’s rights and encourages independent thought in political matters.