Many of us are being inundated with messages, information, and advertising (so much advertising!), about the importance of the upcoming election. It is a little overwhelming. But it is all really important – even the annoying parts.
Elections matter.
Elections are the way we pick the people who will make important decisions that affect all of us – and this year’s contests will impact everything from public investments in infrastructure, to job creation, to fighting climate change.
Many people wonder about what we can do as individuals to have an impact on enormous, global issues like climate change: What will make a difference? Can we change the way we consume energy? Can we protect jobs? Can we cut down on waste and pollution? Does recycling matter?
I believe that the most important thing we can do as individuals is vote.
While a lot of attention is being rightly focused on the top of the ticket down ballot races have a significant impact on our daily lives. This year we have the opportunity to vote in critical races for state row offices like Attorney General, and the entire state house and half of the state senate.
Elections for the state legislature are crucial in advancing pro-environment policy in Pennsylvania. For example, our state legislature just passed a landmark Solar for Schools bill that will help boost clean energy and lower costs for schools across the commonwealth. It took lawmakers from both political parties to get this legislation over the finish line — and they did it because they knew they had to be responsive to voters’ desires to build an economy that fights climate change while helping school districts save money.
This election will also help determine the future of the Biden-Harris administration’s signature legislative achievements: the bipartisan infrastructure law and landmark climate change legislation.
These laws are bringing hundreds of millions of dollars worth of federal investments into Pennsylvania, helping to lower costs for consumers while creating union jobs and limiting climate pollution.
The Biden-Harris administration has turbocharged federal programs helping to clean up abandoned mines and helping farmers transition to climate-smart agricultural practices that reduce stormwater runoff.
READ: Time to Move on Bold, New Clean Energy Plan for Pennsylvania
At the same time, tax credits on energy-efficient appliances, heat pumps and electric vehicles are lowering costs for Pennsylvania families even as they curb climate pollution.
Yet we’ve also seen how anti-environment politicians can block important legislation to take full advantage of these federal funding opportunities that will help us build a 21st century economy in Pennsylvania that is powered by clean energy.
While the state House of Representatives, controlled by a pro-environment majority, has passed dozens of environmental bills, many of them are languishing in a state Senate that is controlled by legislators allied with corporate polluters and oil and gas industry executives.
Legislation that would lower energy costs, boost job-creating renewable industries and promote access to solar energy have passed the House but are being blocked from consideration in the Senate.
Twice a year, every year, we have the opportunity to cast a ballot. When people show up to the polls, we are telling the candidates running for office what we want for our community and our families.
Take a few minutes to think about when and how you will vote.
Do you know about the state candidates who are running for office in your area? Who is supporting them? Are they talking about the issues you care about? Are they going to protect our drinking water and support policies that help us address both the causes and effects of climate change?
And as we go to the polls, it’s worth mentioning that we have more options than ever to make our voices heard.
READ: A Tiny Forest Is Coming to Bucks County’s Snipes Farm
In addition to casting your ballots at your polling place in person on Election Day, voters can now also choose to vote by mail. Mail-in ballots for Bucks County voters began appearing in mailboxes last week. They can be mailed back for free or returned through drop boxes placed across the county. This is thanks to a landmark law passed in 2020 that updated our election systems for the 21st century.
Voters can also cast a ballot by visiting the county election office in Doylestown.
We need to do even more to improve ballot access. Voting-rights groups are in court right now trying to ensure that minor errors don’t lead to votes from being thrown out. No one should have their mail-in ballot discarded for failing to properly date their return envelope.
Despite these challenges, we’re proud of the significant steps Pennsylvania has taken to expand access to the ballot and advocate for additional reforms to ensure that everyone who wants to vote is able to make their voices heard at the ballot box.
I vote every time. I believe that small actions lead to bigger ones. Please vote this November 5th.
