So I’m prepared to see voters line up, six feet distanced, at the 40th Ward precinct where I’ll be working, out the door and down Western Avenue, around the corner down Peterson Avenue, and west a couple of blocks. I picture them sending emissaries down the street to Wolfy’s, picking up hot dogs to sustain them as they wait in line to take their country back.

If you’ve attended a 40th Ward Dems Fair Tax presentation and still have some burning questions, we share some frequently asked questions and responses surrounding this important proposal up for a vote in November.

For Jaz Gonzalez, 2020 has been a tumultuous year. She finished her senior year and graduated from Northside Prep in the midst of a global pandemic. She also voted for the first time! I asked her about her experience as a first time voter

As an organization focused on creating a better future for our neighbors and creating an ever more equitable community and city, we can’t ignore the recent Black Lives Matter protests and the voices of our neighbors—in the 40th Ward and beyond—calling for change. And we also cannot ignore the Trump Administration’s constant attacks on our immigrant and indigenous neighbors.

Rahat Sajwani has been voting for six years and believes that it is an incredible tool for ensuring that our elected government officials effectively represent the voters. When she hears comments from potential voters that their one vote can’t create change, she reminds them that it’s incredibly important in local elections and affects their day-to-day life in ways they might not see.

Donald Trump needs to go – and we all need to vote and work together to rebuild our country back up from the terrible damage the Trump administration has intentionally wreaked upon Americans.

Even before the pandemic hit, our state and city’s finances were already in a crisis with billions in unpaid bills. Shelters are closing, health care is under pressure, and education requires more investment to reinvent itself to exist online. With thousands out of work and many small businesses on the bubble in Illinois, a strong safety net is needed more than ever. 

Voting - including vote-by mail - is a constitutional right, no matter how hard the Trump administration and the GOP try to fight it. No one should have to choose between protecting their health and exercising their right to vote. For many, the safest way to vote during this election cycle may be to vote by mail. This is why it’s so important that the Illinois legislature and Governor Pritzker passed new legislation in Springfield.

We know that change happens more visibly and frequently at a local level. This is why the 40th Ward Dems have centered around the goals of increasing voter turnout among residents of the ward, expanding and protecting polling places. We aim to bring new energy and motivate people to vote their values during this critical election year.

There are three simple things you can do. Register to vote. Pledge to vote in the November General Election. Convince two of your friends, family members or neighbors to vote.

To prepare us for November 2020, we are starting a $20,000 neighborhood fundraising goal.

We are building an incredible ward organization, but I would be fibbing if I didn't say we need your help. We do, we really do.