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Suffragette Edition
This August marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, which guaranteed women the constitutional right to vote. A milestone such as this gives us the unique opportunity to celebrate this achievement and reflect on its relevance to today's struggles for equality and protecting voting rights. While we have come a long way in expanding our democracy over the last century, we must continue providing for free and fair elections that are accessible to all eligible voters.
Given the public acknowledgements by President Donald Trump about the United States Postal Service being unable to administer the increased amount of mail-in ballots expected, coupled with Governor Larry Hogan’s recently approved plan to dramatically decrease the number of polling locations on Election Day, it is essential that we do all we can to support an individual’s ability to safely cast their ballot. That is why I called for the expansion of drop boxes throughout Montgomery County, and why I will continue fighting for more representation and for protecting our democratic right to vote.
My commitment to equity started early. Having been raised in a home with a single mother who had to work two jobs to provide for me, I saw how hard my mother struggled, and quickly learned that women weren’t always treated fairly or given the employment opportunities they deserve. Studies show that the gender pay gap starts early in a career and that female job applicants, particularly women of color, carry lower earnings from job to job.
My first piece of legislation as a member of the County Council was the Montgomery County Pay Equity Act, which helped to make Montgomery County a more equitable place to work. Under the law, the county government can no longer request pay stubs or rely on pay history when determining a government employee’s salary. By eliminating the county’s use of pay history to set future salaries, employees are now paid according to their expected responsibilities and the experience they bring to the table, rather than their ability to successfully negotiate based on past wages.
From introducing legislation with a focus on equity, to speaking up and standing for what is right, my mom continues guiding my moral compass.
RESISTERHOOD is a new documentary by local award-winning filmmaker Cheryl Jacobs Crim about the power of women, hope and resistance. I have met Cheryl a number of times and am proud to highlight her work. This powerful documentary about women responding to the current Administration’s threat to American democracy captures the stories of everyday Americans who became grassroots activists working tirelessly to stop the erosion of our civil rights. RESISTERHOOD showcases the wave that brought us the most ethnically, racially and gender diverse Congress in history and shares stories of hope that will inspire even more people to join the fight to secure a bright future for our county.
As an added bonus, the documentary features a number of Montgomery County residents and their work fighting for fairness and justice.
Visit RESISTERHOOD’s official site to learn more about the film and find screening opportunities.
Here in Montgomery County we are ensuring that every vote will be protected and counted. For the November 3 election, mail-in ballots will NOT automatically be mailed to all registered voters. With the election less than 80 days away, I encourage you to complete your vote-by-mail / absentee ballot application right away by following this link: Maryland State Board of Elections. If you don’t want to return your ballot by mail, the country’s ballot drop boxes will be under 24-hour surveillance and clearly marked locations will be listed in your sample ballot mailing and vote-by-mail ballot instructions.
And most importantly: vote, vote, vote!
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