Photo Courtesy of Unsplash, Phillip Goldsberry
This year is a big election, and not only because of the divide between parties and the candidates running for president. There are also quite a few issues on the ballot this year that directly affect women’s lives. Breaking down how the decisions made on these issues are important, as it could help decide what you choose when you head out to the polls on Nov. 5.
One of the biggest debates we have seen over the past few years has been on whether there should be abortion bans put in place by the states, as this right is no longer protected by federal law following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022.
In Florida, abortion is on the ballot for this election as Amendment 4. Floridians will be able to decide whether they want to keep the current 6-week ban put in place by Republicans and signed into law by Ron DeSantis, or return to a less restrictive legislation.
The decision made on this amendment could potentially help women who are currently struggling with their restricted abortion rights and help keep many women out of harm’s way with dangerous pregnancies.
If the amendment is passed, it would provide women with access to an abortion before viability or if it is necessary for her health. The current restriction makes abortion illegal after a heartbeat is detected at 6 weeks, which is often before a woman is even aware she is pregnant.
There are certain circumstances in which the current legislation allows for an abortion – such as in the cases of documented rape or incest – but it is still incredibly difficult for women to receive access to this care in dire situations.
If you support a less restrictive abortion policy, be sure to vote “yes” on Amendment 4 when you’re at the polls. While this is only applicable to Florida residents, many other states that have also put abortion on the ballot this year, so if you are an out-of-state voter, be sure to do your research regarding the legislation on the ballot in your area.
Abortion is not the only important decision surrounding women to be made in this election. We also have the potential to elect our first female president. While Kamala Harris has already served as the first female Vice President of the United States, she can to go further, breaking new ground as America’s first female Commander-in-Chief.
If Kamala Harris is voted into office, it would be a very important moment for women and girls around the country, as it would show young women that they can take on high-power positions, like our current Vice President.
Not only would a Harris presidency be a huge inspiration for young women, it would also allow for many of the pro-women policies Harris supports to be passed. Harris has strong stances on equal pay, reproductive freedom, and homeownership, which could help change the game for working women.
While there is a great deal of policy positions that go into choosing a candidate for president – and you are encouraged to do your research to find the candidate that aligns most with your political views – a female president would be an extraordinary show of how far women have come in America since we gained our right to vote over a century ago.
However you choose to vote in the upcoming election, it is important that you exercise your right to vote and support the views that are important to you.
Make sure you keep in mind the important issues surrounding women on the ballot this year and stay informed on how every policy could affect your life going forward when you hit the polls.
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