This is not just another election. It’s not just another ballot to cast. Whoever reaches the coveted 270 electoral votes this November will shift the direction in which our country, and our democracy, are headed. The next president will implement policies that will affect our generation and the next, and, as college women, we deserve to have a say in who represents us.
In a virtual press conference with Her Campus, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand highlighted issues that are on the ballot including access to healthcare, institutional racism, COVID-19 response, and more.
“Voting is one of the best ways to be heard,” Senator Gillibrand said. “I hope everyone has a plan to vote and that you understand that this is part of our democracy.”
During the conversation, Senator Gillibrand was asked how basic human rights among women and people of color should be addressed and equalized under a Biden/Harris administration. The Senator from New York highlighted how institutional racism affects black women in healthcare.
“The maternal mortality rate for black women in this country are four times higher than white women,” Senator Gillibrand said. “That is because there is institutional racism in our healthcare system.”
In addition, the Senator states that women of color have a harder time getting access to capital. She suggests more lending for minority-owned businesses and stated that this policy is shared by the Democratic nominee. Other policies she mentioned that would help are eliminating cash bail and legalizing and decriminalizing marijuana.
“You need to dig deep and find all the places where institutional racism disproportionately harms communities of color and women and make sure that we can overcome it,” she said. “Those are some ideas that are supported certainly by Vice President Biden and Senator Harris.”
Finally, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand emphasizes the importance of young people, especially young women, using their voice and voting in this election.
“If young, college-age women don’t vote, then those that get elected will not actually represent our values.” Senator Gillibrand stated. “If young voter turnout, we can win.”
The election is November 3, and human rights are on the ballot. Go to iwillvote.com to find out where you can vote and what to bring with you to your polling place. And remember, vote like human rights are on the ballot because they are.