The Power of the Ballot: How to Vote and Why It Matters

In the recent episode of the Girl Gang Podcast, we had the opportunity to interview our friend Lydia about her experience with voting initiatives at a local and national level. She helped us understand the voting process, how to volunteer, and a new initiative she is helping with called Respect MO Voters. Check it out and see how you can sign the petition :) And don’t forget - elections are on November 4!! Regardless of political affiliation or location, this is an episode you don’t want to miss! Following our podcast, we asked Lydia to answer some questions for us so we could spotlight her in our blog. Let’s start with Lydia’s story:

The Basics

• Hometown

  I grew up halfway between Troy and Bowling Green MO

  [Rachael note: that’s west in case you were wondering ;)]

• College/University

  Broadcast Media at Missouri Baptist University

• What sparked your interest in your degree?

  I loved taking pictures, making videos with friends and editing.

Fun Facts & Personality

• What's a book, podcast, or movie you've recently enjoyed?

  Anatomy of Murder is an excellent podcast

• What is one thing that you are currently learning?

  People are lonely. Ask questions and LISTEN. You will learn so much.

• What is your favorite way to spend a free day?

  Staying home, knitting and drinking tea.

• Who are the women who have inspired you most, and why?

  Eleanor Roosevelt’s work on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights has been particularly inspiring lately. She unified people of all races and creeds, overcame language barriers, listened to the wisdom of others, kept around 50 people on track, and created one of most influential documents in the world.

• What are some habits or practices that help you maintain your sense of self and empowerment?

  I make the bed everyday and I schedule time to do the things I like and I schedule rest/down time. I remind myself that people’s reactions aren’t about me, as much as it is about them and what headspace they are in. I volunteer for causes that are important to me and I regularly donate blood products.

What is something that makes you laugh? 

Election Advice

• What organizations or initiatives would you recommend?

  • RespectMOVoters (Non Partisan)

  • RepresentUS (Non-Partisan)

  • Run for Something (Progressive)

• How can someone sign up to vote?

  • Secretary of State’s website

  • DMV

  • Library

• How can I volunteer or make a difference?

  • Have conversations from people who believe differently than you and lead with curiosity!!!

  • Become an election judge

  • Count votes

  • Run for office!!!!! Something! Anything! Find an uncontested election and run! 

  • Do your research on candidates and ballot issues

Thank you, Lydia, for such an inspiring episode!!

And in case you haven’t listened to the episode yet, here’s a recap:

Step 1: Just Get Registered ✅

• How: Most states let you register through your local election office or the DMV when you renew your license. Online portals are the fastest way to update your address if you move.

• Why it Matters: Local elections decide the stuff that actually shapes your daily life: school boards, city councils, zoning, safety, and wages.

Step 2: Prep Your Ballot 📝

• Know the Dates: Big national races are easy to track; local dates and primaries are sneaky. Check your local election authority page.

• Know What's On It: Use sample ballots to see candidates and measures ahead of time.

• Understand the Language: Ballot measures can be confusing. Read nonpartisan voter guides or check sources that track voting records to fill in the gaps. You can bring notes or your phone to the voting booth!

Direct Democracy (Petitions)

• How: Petitions gather signatures from registered voters to force an issue onto the ballot.

• Why: It’s one of the few ways regular citizens can set the political agenda instead of just reacting to it.

Watch Out for "Ballot Candy" 🍬

• This is a popular, appealing clause at the top of a ballot measure that distracts from a controversial change tucked below.

• Cure: Don't be cynical; just slow down and read every line to avoid getting fooled.

Alternative Voting (RCV)

• Ranked-Choice Voting (RCV) lets you rank candidates instead of just picking one. This ensures the winner has a majority and cuts down on the feeling of choosing the "lesser-of-two-evils."

The Candidate & The Burnout

• Check the Candidate, Not the Party: More voters are checking voting records and stated priorities over simple party labels.

• Avoid Burnout: Research takes time. Use tools, nonpartisan guides, or local civic groups/podcasts that translate complex process into plain language.

A Local Example (Respect MO Voters)

• This is a campaign to protect citizen initiatives, ban tricky ballot language, and require a bipartisan supermajority to overturn measures voters have passed. This ensures that the public's voice isn't easily undone by simple legislative majorities.

Bottom line: Preparation turns confusion into clarity. Know where to go, know what's on the ballot, and take your time.

Listen Now:

We hope you enjoyed this episode of Girl Gang Podcast. How will you be making a difference in this election? Text us by using the link in our description!

So until next time - stay bold, stay empowered…

Rachael & the Girl Gang