Now is the time of year Americans can exercise our most powerful form of citizen activism. We get to cast our ballots for the leaders of our choice. This is an opportunity not to be squandered, and I urge you to seize it this election season. Mail in your ballots, go to your polling place, and make your voices heard.
We need to speak up—now more than ever. A tidal wave of special interest money is swamping the American electoral process and threatening to corrode the very foundation of democracy. In 2012, for instance, oil, gas and coal companies tried to influence the political debate by spending more than $150 million in campaign ads by mid-September of that year.
NRDC is fighting for electoral reforms to put our democracy wholly back in the hands of the American people, where it belongs. But never forget that you already possess the most powerful antidote to big money politics: your voice and your vote.
They make a difference.
People often ask me how I remain hopeful in a time of climate change, inequality, and global economic recession. These are daunting challenges, but I am optimistic we can make progress, because across the nation, people are engaging with issues that matter most to them. They are volunteering on campaigns, educating their friends and neighbors, holding their lawmakers accountable, and taking to the streets from Ferguson, Missouri to New York City.
And in the coming week, they will cast their ballots in the midterm elections.
Seeing this level of citizen engagement inspires me. I know our votes shape the future of our country. Help decide what that future will look like. Vote by November 4.