Hey yall! Tyra Robinson here, an Alabama native with a passion for art and civic engagement. As an artist, I've always been passionate about using my design skills to make a difference. If you've ever been to Birmingham, you may have seen one of my murals. My goals are always to spark conversations and encourage people to get involved in shaping their communities, which inspired me to start my non-profit, Good People Vote in 2020. We're on a mission to change the culture of voting. By making elections accessible and engaging for everyone, we're demystifying the process and empowering Alabamians to participate fully in our democracy. While we're currently based in Birmingham and Montgomery, our vision extends nationwide because informed voting is vital everywhere.
So You Don't Trust the Government?
It's time to change how we view politics. Think less “politics” and more “economics”. Instead of seeing it as a boring history lesson from middle school, think of it like your favorite TV show – full of drama, intrigue, and unexpected plot twists. It's normal to be skeptical of the government, which can make voting feel overwhelming. But let's break down how to understand the system and make your voice heard–not just in national elections, but in local ones too.
Reason #1: Voting Holds Candidates Accountable
Imagine a town with only one restaurant. The food is terrible, the service is worse, but it stays open because there’s no competition. Now, imagine a new restaurant opens. Suddenly, the old restaurant has to improve or risk losing customers. Elections work the same way. When elected officials know voters are paying attention, they're more likely to address their constituents’ concerns.
Reason #2: Democracy Isn't Free—Voting Is How We Protect It
Democracy isn't a spectator sport or a faux plant; it's a living garden that needs constant tending. We can't expect it to thrive without our care. We are the gardeners, and our ancestors fought hard to give us these flowers. History has shown us that democracy has been hard-earned, not something handed over without struggle. And just like any precious garden, there are those who would neglect it, exploit it, or let it wither. That’s why we must stay vigilant, well-informed, and actively involved.
So how do I help the garden flourish?
Don’t be fooled—understand what’s happening: Gather all the context; don’t just rely on a single social media post. Dig deep, like you’re saving Britney Spears or hosting Unsolved Mysteries. Get information from diverse sources, explore independent media, community discussions, and local groups for a broader perspective, like Good People Vote.
Don't get played; learn how the game works: To play, you need to know the rules. You can’t win if you're still blaming a pothole in your neighborhood on the president. You can't say an elected official isn't doing what they promised if you don't understand that a group of candidates outvoted them. That's like someone blaming the quarterback for a loss when the defense gave up 50 points! Learn how elections work, the different levels of government, and the roles of elected officials. 🙂
Research the candidates: Go beyond campaign slogans. Look into their past actions, policy positions, and track their records to understand what they truly stand for.
Don't give up: Even if your candidate loses, stay involved. Keep learning, keep advocating, and keep voting. Imagine your car breaks down, and you have to use a spare tire. It's not ideal- no fancy rims, just something basic to get you moving again. That's what many candidates are like. They might not be perfect, but they can move things in the right direction. Once you reach your destination (a better future!), you can work towards even better options.
Local Elections Are the Real MVP: Local elections often have a bigger impact on your daily life than national ones. (This is where those potholes come in 😉) These officials make decisions about your public roads, your baby’s school, your brother’s public safety, your grandparent’s healthcare, and more. Don't underestimate your vote in these races.
Get Ready…
Know the dates: Mark election days on your calendar and ensure you’re registered to vote in advance.
Gather information: Use voter guides, attend candidate forums, and research online.
Make a plan: Decide how you'll vote (in person or by mail) and make sure you have the necessary ID.
Prep your voting outfit: I have mine - I’m wearing purple.
We’re facing a lot of challenges right now; voting is just one part of the equation. It's also about combating misinformation, fostering kindness, and strengthening the communities we live in. So, let’s work together to be good people and shape better communities. Every vote counts.
So here’s to democracy! Need some resources to make your voting plan? Good People Vote is here to help.
Follow us: instagram.com/goodpeoplevote/
Support us: www.goodpeoplevote.org
Swag out: here
Good company: League of Women Voters: lwv.org/
Southern Poverty Law Center: splcenter.org/
ACLU: aclu.org/
¡HICA!: hicaalabama.org/en/home
Greater Birmingham Ministries: https://gbm.org/
Regenerate Society: www.thisisrsociety.org/
Xoxo,
A good person :)