Building Confident, Connected Families

Today is the first Monday in November of an even year, so you know what that means? Tomorrow is Election Day! This year, there is a lot on your ballot. It can be confusing, I know. I implore you to not let confusion, apathy, or busy schedules get in your way. Our children's future depends on how we show up tomorrow. This election cycle will dictate the shape our nation and state for years to come. From President and Senator, to a myriad of changes to Arizona's Constitution, there is a lot at stake for you and our community's future.

It is too late to mail your ballot in, but it is not too late to drop it at a voting center or just show up tomorrow and vote. This year, you can show up to any Voting Center in Pima County to cast your vote. Not sure which center is convenient for you, we got you covered. Just visit Pima Votes and find your nearest center. Remember, electioneering is illegal, so please leave your candidate stickers, shirts, hats, etc. at home or in the car while you wait in line.

Our friends over at Hamstra Helping Hands are running a fun and easy charitable giving contest. The nonprofit with the most votes by December 1 will be awarded $4,000! Voting is super easy and doesn't even require you to put in any personal information. Simply visit:

https://www.hamstrahvac.com/charitable-giving/

You can vote once daily per device so bookmark the URL for an easy future return. That means you can vote on your desktop, laptop, tablet and phone every day.  We are honored to be included in this contest with these amazing nonprofits all doing good right here in the Tucson community.

Vote today, and the next day, and the next...

Regardless of what happens tomorrow, please remember it will probably be some time until we know the outcome of our free and fair election. We are all going to hear stories of nefarious activities at voting centers across the nation. Do your mental health a favor and not add fuel to these fires. Our election officials are doing the best they can and have faith they will work it out. It will take time, so all we need to do is be patient and take time to connect with our loved ones.

Speaking of friends and family, remember that the beauty of our country is that everyone has the right to hold their own beliefs. The ones closest to us may not hold the same beliefs and values we do, and that is not only OK, it is a necessary part of democracy. Diversity of thought is essential for us to keep evolving into a more perfect union. When we come up to opposing ideals, name-calling, criticism, and vulgarities never promote unity, perspective taking or changing minds. The only way to do that is through listening. So while we wait for the results of the 2024 Election, try flexing that muscle and start asking questions of those around you that may or may not not align with your values.

For a really fun time, try talking to those who will be the most effected by this year's result, those that are not yet old enough to vote. Children have tremendous insight into their futures, and trust me, they are always listening and experiencing the same divisive discord we are. Talk to them about their thoughts on platforms and policies of all sides of the political conversation. Now here comes the hard part, after they tell you about their thoughts, try explaining to them about your values and why you vote the way you do without telling them why they should do the same. Telling a child how they should vote in the future, or telling them how they should do anything for that matter, robs them of self-discovery. It is our job as trusted adults in their life to explain our values to them, and let them decide for themselves if they share those same values. Just as it is illegal to coerce someone to vote a specific way, I believe that forcing a child to hold the same beliefs, faith, hobbies, interests, job, etc. you do, just because you do, is child abuse. All we can ever do is listen to and value their opinions to role model for them how to do the same. With enough practice and experience learning to take other perspectives into account, they may choose a similar path to our own, or they might not. Either way, we will be creating a generation of adults that understand the importance listening and valuing all opinions at the table.