A Busy Mom’s Guide to Voting in the Local Election

Mama, I get it. You put the kids in bed and finally after the last request of water…

the day is done.

You flop yourself down and start to scroll.

You see your best friend’s kids at the park, a neighbor’s trip to Disney World and…

a post about the upcoming election.

Do you stop to read, or do you scroll on by?

Take the time to be aware and informed

As moms, our plates are FULL. Most days our brain space seems limited and the thought of adding anything else seems impossible.

Especially when talking policies, politics which seem to be so…well, loaded these days.

It may seem so much easier just to scroll past.

But that’s a mistake.

Knowing what’s going on around you is just as important as what’s going on with your family.

As moms, we are called to be in the home raising, praising and nourishing our kids. And if we tirelessly teach principles of freedom, love, morals and values in the home, we need to fight for them outside the home.

So, mama, I’m writing to you. And for you.

I know you’re tired, but this is the time to take action and get ready for your local election.

Our wellness and the future of our kids depend on it.

Local Elections Impact Wellness

Local elections may not seem glamorous or very important.

But did you know these elections directly impact our wellness?

Perhaps, you thought tossing in that spinach, doing a quick workout at home and taking some “you” time was the secret to being “well.”

Clearly, that is important.

But as we are discussing in our wellness series, it is so much more.

Remember, wellness is multi-dimensional. So many parts play into it.

Knowing this, let’s talk about why local elections are important.

Local Elections Matter

Local elections affect:

• Money/Finances
• Education
• Public Safety
• Roads
• Rules/Regulations/Standards for your county, city, neighborhoods, etc

Therefore, elections are part of our well-being because they impact our well-being. Everything we do in our neighborhoods, town, schools, shops and places of worship are all related to elections.

Now you may be wondering a couple things.

When are Elections Held?

Elections are held the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November

• Even numbered years: General Election for National, State and County
• Odd numbered years: General Elections for city, school, community college, water district, and drainage district officials

What is a Primary Election?

A primary election is:

• State/Local level
• Takes place before the general election (first Tuesday of August)
• Designates a candidate for a political party for the general election

Now that we are aware, it’s time to make our voices heard.

This part always seemed a bit daunting to me, so I created a guide in hopes this helps simplify the “what” and “how to” for you.

5 Things Busy moms should do for Local Election

1.Review Your Voter Registration Info

Ensuring you are registered is key.

I recommend googling your county’s election office, but you can also go to:

• Secretary of States Voter Look up site
• Vote.org (easy to look up by state!)

If you’re not registered, use this as the time to do so NOW.

2. Know the Important Dates

• July 12, 2022— Last Day to register to vote (typically closes 21 days out from election)
• July 13, 2022–Advance voting by mail begins
• July 16, 2022— Advance voting in person begins
• August 2, 2022— Primary Election
• November 8, 2022— General Election

3. Find Your Polling Place and Make it an Outing

On your county’s site or voter look up site, you can also find where you can vote.

This should be fairly close to home so make it a fun outing (fieldtrip) for you and your kids by:

• Grabbing a latte at the local coffee shop
• Planning a playdate or picnic at a nearby park
• Voting with friends (plan to meet up!)
• Dressing kids in patriotic clothing and talk about the gift of voting (and the responsibilities that come along with it!)

4. Know the Local Candidates/Issues

Now scrolling Facebook may be a convenient way to stay in tune with current events, but when it comes to elections and policies, do YOUR OWN research.

And this doesn’t have to be hard or time consuming.

Here’s how I like to start:

• Look up sample ballot— This helps yourself with choices, candidates AND layout.
• Print Sample Ballot– You can actually take this with you already filled out so that you don’t have to memorize or worry about forgetting
• Go to candidates’ websites directly (you can also get their contact info here)
• Focus on candidates’ values, key ideas, and endorsements
• For important legislature, go directly to the language printed on the ballot

Need to find laws for your own state? Do a google search for “[state] xxx laws” and look at a source that has .gov or a source like LegiScan. For example, when learning more about the Aug 2 Kanas constitutional amendment on abortion for Kansas, you could search “Kansas Abortion Laws.”

And social media can be a tool– but go directly to platforms (look at opposing side too) to view candidates/key issues and how they pertain to key issues that you’re passionate about.

5. Pray

At the end of the day, praying is key in times such as elections.

Get together with mom friends, family, neighbors, or in the quiet of your home.

Ask God to guide and protect, remembering ultimately, He is in control.

One of my favorite verses to rely on is Philippians 4: 6-7:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

Elections often amplify our differences, but remember we all have one thing in common– the Lord is the Maker of us all (Proverbs 22:2)

The Future is in our Hands

The future of our kids is in our hands, literally. It starts in the home, but then expands into our local neighborhoods, schools, and healthcare.

August 2nd is just around the corner and your vote matters!!

I hope to see all you busy mamas at the polls!

Ps. Today, I’ve linked some resources that are specific to my local elections. My hope is that it serves as an example for your own county. If you have problems locating your local resources or have ANY questions, please contact me. I may not always know the answer, but I am committed to helping you find it. Thank you!