Why vote
The power of your vote
Many people do not vote because they do not have time, do not know how or where to vote, feel afraid, or simply believe their vote changes nothing. Mi Voto Cuenta helps you understand the power of your vote, see that your voice counts, and recognize that your vote can influence what happens in your home, school, workplace, neighborhood, and community.
Your vote is your voice
Your vote is an official way to communicate your ideas and needs to the people who make decisions in your name. Simply put, your vote says: “I count.”
Decisions are made by the people who participate. And those decisions affect everyone, including people who do not vote.
When we do not vote, we give our power to other people to decide for us.
Voting is a way to use our voice and represent our family, our community, and our needs—because they count, too.
Every election matters
Many people vote in presidential elections because they know those elections matter. But the truth is that every election matters. Primary, special, local, and state elections can affect your daily life directly.
Primary and special elections
An early choice can shape what comes next
Primaries help decide which candidates and measures reach the general election and can prevent choices that do not represent our interests from moving forward.
Special elections can decide an office, a measure, or a rule that directly affects your community.
National elections
They can affect laws, courts, the federal budget, immigration, health, work, education, and many other areas.
Local elections
They can decide issues you see every day: schools, streets, housing, transportation, services, and safety.
State elections
They can change laws, budgets, rights, public programs, and priorities for millions of people.
Take the next step
Our power only works when we use it
Understanding the power of your vote is the first step. The next step is making a plan to use it.
Next: Where and how to vote