It’s Wednesday, July 31st, and though I might be off by a day or two in my count, we’re in the thick of it now. What a week it’s been! The energy from the rally in Georgia was palpable. People coming together with optimism and a renewed sense of purpose—this is what our democracy is all about. There’s been a lot of talk about politics being a bad word, but I’m here to remind you that politics, at its core, is about civics. And civics, my friends, is the heart of how we engage with our government to make a difference.

The Generational Experience

As a Gen Xer, I’ve watched politics evolve over my lifetime. My generation, like Gen Z today, has witnessed the impacts of the generations before us, often feeling like we were left with the leftovers. But here’s the thing: civics is about taking control of our story. It’s about participating in the process, no matter what came before us. We can lament what’s been done or get involved and shape what comes next.

The Importance of Civic Engagement

Civics is more than just a word; it’s our way of interacting with the government and making our voices heard. Too often, people say, “My vote doesn’t count,” and walk away disillusioned. But that’s not how civics works. The truth is every vote matters. Think about figures like Lauren Boebert and Marjorie Taylor-Greene—people who won because others didn’t show up to vote. Good, healthy civics means everyone votes, which makes our democracy strong.

Teaching Civics to the Next Generation

This is where you come in. It’s time to get your family involved, even the little ones. I recently saw a picture drawn by a little girl at the Kamala rally, and it reminded me of my own childhood when I wrote letters to Hubert Humphrey. Engaging in civics at a young age is powerful. It’s about more than just politics; it’s about teaching our children the importance of their voice and ability to make a difference.

Understanding the Three Branches of Government

Let’s take a quick civics primer. There are three branches of government: the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial. The President leads the Executive branch, but it doesn’t work alone. It must collaborate with Congress (the Legislative branch) to enact laws and policies. The Judicial branch interprets these laws, ensuring they adapt to our evolving society. This interplay is what makes our democracy dynamic and alive.

The Role of the Judiciary and Evolving Laws

As someone with deep respect for the law, I find it disheartening to see what has happened to the judiciary in recent years. Judges are supposed to be impartial, interpreting the law based on precedent and society’s evolving needs. Take cannabis legalization—it reflects how our laws can change to better serve our citizens. This is the beauty of a living democracy.

The Importance of Down-Ballot Voting

When we vote, it’s not just about the President but the entire ticket. Down-ballot candidates—those running for Congress, local offices, and even judges—play crucial roles in shaping our country. Each of these individuals impacts your agenda, so it’s important to vote thoughtfully for every position on the ballot.

Protecting Your Right to Vote

Today’s big action item is to ensure you’re registered to vote. It may sound simple, but it’s critical. In places like Arizona, new tactics are being used to challenge voter registrations, and we must stay vigilant. I recommend checking your voter status on the first and 15th of every month to ensure you’re still registered. If you’re in a swing state, this is especially important.

Get Involved and Make a Difference

There are many ways to get involved in the campaign, whether knocking on doors, sending postcards, or simply talking to friends and family. The most important thing is to find what works for you and commit to participate. Remember, it all starts with ensuring you’re registered to vote.

To-Do List

1. Check Your Voter Registration: Visit vote.gov to verify your registration and ensure you can vote.
2. Get Your Family Involved: Encourage eligible young adults, friends, and family members to register and participate in the election process. Here’s information for kids!
3. Understand the Branches of Government: Review the roles of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches to better understand how your vote impacts each. (OMG, there’s a test you can take!)
4. Stay Informed: Follow trustworthy sources like Marc Elias and his Democracy Docket newsletter to stay up to date on legal challenges and voter rights issues.
5. Find Your Role: Whether volunteering, spreading the word, or simply voting, figure out how to best contribute to the campaign.