Black women have long been called the backbone of democracy. We organize, mobilize, and show up, often carrying our communities, our families, and, frankly, this entire nation on our backs.
But as another election approaches on Nov. 4, it’s time to face a hard truth: Our political power only works when we use it…and not just every four years.
Too often, we pour our energy into presidential elections, the ones that dominate headlines and hashtags, while skipping the local and state contests that quietly shape our everyday lives. And especially since after 92% of us tried to save Democracy in the last presidential election, it’s tempting to just sit and watch these midterms burn. But those so-called “smaller” races are where the BIGGEST decisions about our futures are made.
The policies that affect our children’s schools, the safety of our neighborhoods, the affordability of our housing, and even our reproductive rights. Those decisions start in city halls, school boards, and state legislatures. And when we sit out those elections, we hand over control to people who may not have our best interests at heart.
According to data from the Center for American Women and Politics, Black women are among the most reliable voting blocs in the country. But voter turnout still dips sharply in midterm and local elections. That means a relatively small group of voters can determine who runs our school districts, who sets police budgets, and who decides whether our hospitals stay open or close.
And make no mistake, these races are often decided by razor-thin margins. In many majority-Black cities and counties, a few dozen votes can change the direction of a community. Imagine the power we’d have if every Black woman who voted in the last presidential election also showed up for her city council or state representative race.
We’ve already seen what happens when we do show up. From leaders like Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett here in Texas, to organizers like LaTosha Brown of Black Voters Matter, to the women leading voting drives in churches, sororities, and community centers – Black women are changing outcomes. We’ve proven that when we mobilize, we don’t just make noise. We move mountains.
So, as we head toward Nov. 4, this isn’t the year to grow weary or tune out. The stakes are too high, and the power is too close to home.
Here’s how to prepare:
- Verify your registration. Visit vote.org or texasvotes.gov to ensure your information is up to date. It’s too late if you’re not registered, but be sure to know your status before you go.
- Research your ballot. Learn who’s running for local offices and where they stand on the issues that matter most.
- Make a plan. Know where and when to vote early, and bring a friend or family member along.
- Spread the word. Post reminders. Share resources. Encourage your group chats, coworkers, and church members to do the same.
Basically, do what Black women do. Because here’s the truth: when we show up, we shift power. Our votes don’t just decide who leads; they determine how we live.
If we want better schools, fairer pay, safer communities, and healthcare that values Black women’s lives, we can’t afford to sit this one out. We are the architects of our future. And that future begins at the ballot box, not just in Washington, D.C., but right here at home.
By the Numbers: Black Women and the Ballot
- In 2020, 68% of eligible Black women voted in the presidential election.
- In the following midterms, turnout dropped to 43%.
- Margins as small as 200 votes have decided local elections in major Texas counties.
- Key issues on Texas ballots this year include: maternal healthcare funding, school board accountability, and affordable housing measures.
