By Stefanie Gadalean, Founder and President of UF League of Women Voters
As a first-time voter in a general election, I felt the weight my pen carried filling out my ballot. This election season prompted me to wonder how generations to follow will view the times of the present. Will our future generations look at the remainder of the 2020s as a dark period, or will they be inspired by the resilience of the American people in their pursuit of progress?
Now that the election has concluded, those who were disappointed in some of the results must first and foremost find solace in the fact that we as an Alachua County community did a fantastic job organizing in support of social issues. 68.3% of Alachua County residents voted yes on Amendment Four, which would have limited government interference with abortions. That is a win! Many organizations including National Women’s Liberation of Gainesville, Planned Parenthood Generation Action, Bread and Roses, the Alachua County League of Women Voters, and the University of Florida League of Women Voters tirelessly worked hosting teach-ins, tablings, canvassings, community meetings, and social media campaigns to inform our community of the importance of the amendment. Again, in order to move forward, we must find solace in the fact that our sphere of influence was impacted as much as possible. We as a Gainesville community did everything we could in support of our core values.
Next, for the history books to cite this period as one of resilience, we must utilize the results from November 5th strategically. For instance, we should use this time to showcase the systemic issues within our state elections, specifically the process of ratifying constitutional amendments. Amendment 4, earned 57% of Floridians’ votes and still did not pass. Does the requirement of 60% for the passing of a constitutional amendment respect the will of the people? I would argue otherwise, for other states that have citizen initiative-driven amendments require a simple majority to pass thus reflecting the majority’s desires.
Lastly, I would encourage each of us to shift our focus to our neighbors and loved ones. In the months before the election we primarily focused on a macro-level scale with national and statewide ‘Get out the Vote” campaigns. Now it is time to shift focus to a micro-level local scale. We cannot change election results, but we can impact the lives of those around us. Within our communities, we must support each other through mutual aid. With mobilizing networks to support and uplift those in need through a collaborative and voluntary exchange of resources. This is the time to prove our resilience through our love for others and demonstrate that we as a Gainesville community will not waver in the face of uncertainty. Community is resilience.
No election results can take away from our beliefs, no election results can strip us of our morals, and no election results can take away the voice each of us possesses to stand up for what we believe is right. We cannot let our current circumstances overcome us. Each of us should take the time to process through our grief, but in due time, we must funnel our emotions into action. Do not sit idle when there is work to be done and progress to be made, this country was designed for her citizens to take action and create impact on issues important to them. If we let the grief consume us, no one gets helped.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead.