Principled Voter Part 3: Equality
Welcome to our Principled Voter series, which helps voters better understand the problems affecting both themselves and others in our society — and then vote in ways that work toward solutions. Principled voters are Golden Rule voters. They ask if their vote will harm others or leave people behind. Principled voters use their vote to protect others and create a better future. Here is one issue to consider as you become a principled voter.
“We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.” — Malala Yousafzai
A principled voter first asks, “Are my candidates committed to our founding principle of equality?”
Equality matters because people matter. We all deserve to be treated with respect, have opportunities to thrive, and enjoy equal protection under the law. Unequal societies prioritize those with money, power, or access. They often allow social structures that breed fear and humiliation. Equal societies foster communities connected by trust and safety and allow the opportunity to contribute to the greater good. Equal protection under the law helps us meet personal and national setbacks with resilience and hope.
A principled voter prioritizes efforts that move us toward our shared goal of full equality for all abilities, creeds, genders, races, ethnicities, and national origins. You can support leaders who advocate for all Americans and recognize that our nation is stronger when we offer freedom and opportunity to all citizens equally. Remember that equal representation of both ideologies and minority populations protects against policies that could harm society’s vulnerable. Extreme economic and systemic inequality isolates the powerful from social problems. Minority groups have a moral right to advocate boldly for the equality promised by the Constitution. Every citizen should support efforts to achieve our ideal.
Ask yourself a few more questions:
- What have I learned from the experiences of others that will affect the way I vote?
- Have my life circumstances allowed me to ignore inequality? If so, what can I change?
- Am I using my vote to extend freedom and possibility to everyone?