I’ve been thinking a lot about voting as collective care, as put forth by CTZNWELL. Politics is the way in which we take care of each other and voting is a direct way of engaging in that care. When we talk about voting, there tends to be a lot of talk about “my right to vote,” “my voice,” “my choice,” my my my. What if we saw our votes as something we do to show our care for others?

As we head to the polls, let’s ask ourselves, is this a vote for…

…those who don’t have a vote – children, refugees, undocumented immigrants, felons in some states?

…for the environment, for the trees that I depend on for my survival?

…for my children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren?

Am I voting with the past in mind? Or the future?

Am I voting to take a stand? To make sure my voice is heard? Will I be a voice of fear or a voice of love?

Am I voting to protect what I think is mine? Or am I voting to share?

What if I realized I was praying with my vote? What would my prayer say?