Reflecting on the Election: We Will Speak Up and Speak Out

Last week, the 2024 presidential election was decided. Donald Trump will again become President of the United States. He won both the Electoral College and the popular vote, and when that happens, it means the voters have spoken. 

Like you, we are still processing the implications of this election. Thanks to the tireless efforts of election workers and other democracy defenders, the election worked in many positive ways. Voter turnout was the second highest it's been in the past century, eclipsed only by the 2020 election. 

We know how hard League members worked to empower voters in this election, alongside other activists in pro-democracy and civil rights spaces. The success of the democratic process is a testament to their tireless efforts. As LWV’s CEO Celina Stewart, Esq., and I said in our joint statement on November 6, “We are thankful to Leagues across the country...as well as every election worker and democracy defender who guaranteed our fair and free voting process.” 

We Are Concerned for the Futures of Women, Communities of Color, the LGBTQIA+ Community, and Our Nation’s Immigrants  

We are proud of the League's work this election to empower voters and protect voting rights. However, we are deeply concerned for the future of women in the United States — as well as LGBTQIA+, Black, brown, and immigrant communities. 

We have reason to be concerned considering Mr. Trump’s past actions in office, promises made, and the tinge of sexism and racism throughout the campaign. 

Our Concern is Nonpartisan 

The League does not endorse candidates, but we have always engaged in political advocacy. The election is now over, and those who were elected are no longer candidates. As a nonpartisan organization, the League has every right to call out statements, actions, and policies that are counter to our values and principles. 

The League is an expert in nonpartisanship with over a century of experience in pro-democracy work. Navigating through a hyper-partisan political environment in a nonpartisan manner can be confusing to some. Despite what political parties may have you believe, issues are not inherently partisan. Of course, political parties take partisan positions on issues. But that does not alter the League’s nonpartisan approach.  

Advocating for gender and racial equity is not partisan. Calling out attacks on democracy is not partisan. After all, our mission is to “defend democracy.” We cannot live up to our mission if we are unwilling to speak up and speak out. 

Women’s Equality is Not Partisan. 

Support for women's equality is nonpartisan. Our belief in the rights of women is not derived from a specific candidate or party. Nobody — Democrat, Republican, or other —  has an exclusive claim on equality.  

The League has stood for the political rights and representation of women for over a century, and in that time, political support and public opinion around issues like suffrage, abortion, workplace discrimination, maternal rights, and more have evolved and shifted. Yet, we have always stood firm in our values. 

Our concern for and commitment to women’s empowerment is grounded in our core values. To claim this commitment is partisan is to belittle — and seek to silence — us. 

What Do We Do Now? 

Considering all of this – that we are concerned for women and other marginalized groups and that our concern is nonpartisan – what do we do? The truth is that we’re still figuring that out. 

We’re looking to our members, organizational allies, friends, family members, and within ourselves. We must forge ahead to find ways to propel, inspire, and demand an inclusive democracy in this next era of our nation. But even in these challenging times, I fervently believe in two things: 

1. A woman president is not just a possibility but an inevitability.  

2. Our hope for a better future lies in collective action.  

I am committed to collective action to bring about that inevitable future. Today, I implore you to do the same. 

Join or support pro-democracy organizations  

Together, we will build the future we want to see. Find an organization that inspires you and either join or support its work by donating, uplifting on social media, or attending an upcoming event! Of course, we always advocate for joining your local League, where you can support or engage in grassroots action. In the fight ahead, we will need more — more resources, more volunteers, and more dollars. 

Support the League with a Donation

Remember what we’re fighting for 

In moments like this, it can be easy to lose sight of the future — a future we know is worth fighting for. Remind yourself of the world you’re working to create by being in community with friends, making art, writing a poem, reading a motivational book, or watching an inspiring film. I’m reading “Radical Hope: Letters of Love and Dissent in Dangerous Times,” edited by Carolina De Robertis. 

Practice regular self-care 

In a world that oppresses us, self-care is essential to effective activism. It allows us to recharge and realign with our goals and values. Take the time to care for your mind, body, and soul. I loved reading how these teen girl activists take time to recharge! 
 

Embrace radical hope

Radical hope is not mere optimism or wishful thinking. Rather, radical hope is a deeply held belief that our world can be better coupled with a commitment to engage in collective action. Radical hope is not necessarily radical action. But radical hope drives activism in all its forms, both large and small. Hope is not always easy to hold onto. But it is essential. From Seneca Falls to Selma to Stonewall, hope has always fueled activism. And hope will sustain us through our work as we move forward. 

Last week’s election may have dramatically changed the course of our nation’s history. We don’t yet know what the future holds for us. But whatever it is, the League remains steadfast in its commitment to defend democracy in ways that fuel the fight for human rights, especially women’s rights. 

And I am grateful to have you with us in the fight.