I’m Voting Red In A Blue State—Will My Vote Even Count?

As a lifelong Republican living in the blue state of New York, no one understands the struggle of voting against the majority better than myself. The struggle becomes especially real every four years as the nation unites to determine our next president. If your state’s voting preferences haven’t changed in decades, it can be tempting to believe that participating in such a major election is pointless. However, that idea couldn’t be further from the truth! My vote matters, and so does yours. Whether you live in true-blue Vermont or red-hot Wyoming, here are a few reasons why you should make every effort to get out and vote.

No Taxation without Representation

Ever heard of the phrase “no taxation without representation”? This well-known political slogan, originating in the late 1700s, was introduced by American colonists who were discontented with living under British rule. In particular, the colonists were growing increasingly frustrated with the British Parliament imposing taxes on everyday items like newspapers, pamphlets, and playing cards via the 1765 Stamp Act, in addition to others. The idea behind “no taxation without representation” is that a population shouldn’t be taxed if they are not included in the very government imposing taxes on them. The colonial resistance to taxation without representation grew so strong that it played a large part in fueling the American Revolution. 

While it’s been centuries since the American Revolution, government-imposed taxes still play a huge role in everyday American life. I should know – New York is home to one of the nation’s highest income tax rates! And while I love to dream of one day getting a manicure without paying my city's 4.5% service tax, Benjamin Franklin once famously said, “In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” Well, Ben, if that’s the case, then it’s only right that I make every effort to have my thoughts, opinions, and voice represented in government through the act of voting, regardless of broader state preferences.

Make America Miami-Dade County

When I think of Florida, I think of Miami Beach, humid weather, and citrus fruits. I think of Daddy – excuse me – Governor DeSantis and his uncanny ability to pair rugged cowboy boots with a formal suit (which I don’t hate, btw). If my mind is really wandering, I think about the psychology behind Disney adults who flock to Orlando, but I digress. However, one thing you don’t think of (but absolutely should) is what happened in Miami-Dade County in 2022. In recent years, Florida has become such a flaming red hotspot for the Republican party that it’s easy to forget the Sunshine State was once a swing state. 

So what happened? Voters happened! Particularly, Hispanic voters in Miami-Dade County helped flip the area from blue to red. Attributed to years of Republican efforts to gain power and Democratic complacency in their assumed stronghold, the county turned red, leading to an even larger red wave that swept across the state. Imagine if those Miami-Dade County residents succumbed to the belief that voting against the majority is pointless; it's unlikely this red wave would’ve ever happened. 

As the 2024 presidential election draws near, recent projections indicate that former President Donald Trump has a 77% likelihood of winning the state. It’s as remarkable as it is undeniable – Florida is no longer a swing state, in large part thanks to the voters who showed up. 

If It Can Happen in New York...

While Florida may be leading the way, don’t underestimate the city that never sleeps. In an unprecedented move, the Trump campaign recently hosted a rally at none other than Madison Square Garden in the heart of New York City. Declaring that he planned to “make a play for New York,” the Trump campaign rented out the nearly 20,000-seat coliseum yesterday on October 27 – just nine days ahead of the upcoming presidential election. This bold move massively substantiates claims that New York is increasingly becoming a battleground state. 

While exciting, this shouldn’t come as a total surprise given the events of the 2022 election for New York Governor. Roughly two years ago, Democratic politician Kathy Hochul was thrust into power following former Governor Andrew Cuomo's resignation. Hochul eventually competed against Republican Congressman Lee Zeldin to determine who would hold the position full-term. While the victory ultimately went to Hochul, the election wound up being New York’s closest race for Governor since 1994. It also resulted in the most votes New Yorkers had cast for a Republican candidate in over 50 years. These historic numbers are largely attributed to a New York voter base that opposes complacency and stays actively involved. So, while you’re still wondering whether or not to even vote, New Yorkers are busy #MakingAmericaHotAgain!

As a side note and cautionary tale, Dems are currently wondering if voter turnout will be enough to turn Texas blue. Texas?! Blue?! While shocking to some, engaged voters and focused politicians have been planning what they call a “Democratic takeover of Texas.” There’s definitely a gun-related joke in there somewhere, but for now, I’ll just say this – voter turnout matters and both parties know it.

Voting Is a Right and a Privilege

Given the rise of girlbosses, female CEOs, and this shade of blue hair, it’s easy to forget that just over 100 years ago women did not have the right to vote – which, FYI, is not very long ago considering the broader context of history. Following our country’s founding in 1776, the federal and state governments wrestled with determining who should be eligible to vote, originally only extending the right to certain groups of men. Through years of protests and following a series of constitutional amendments and court decisions, American women were granted the right to vote in August 1920 by the 19th Constitutional Amendment. This decades-long campaign to secure a woman's right to vote is remembered as the Women’s Suffrage Movement, spearheaded by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony. Stanton and Anthony were two early-day feminists who shared a fierce passion for the independence and equality of women, though neither lived to witness the passing of the 19th Amendment. 

Say what you will about the feminists (and trust me, there’s a lot that can be said), but on the issue of women deserving representation, I must agree. Since gaining the right to vote, women have registered and voted at higher rates than men in every presidential election since 1980. As we prepare to show up and show out for this year’s election, keep in mind that all those girly things we love (like affordable groceries and a stable housing market) were better off under Trump! Putting gender and politics aside, however, voting is a right (and for some, a hard-won privilege) that should always be honored through our active participation. 

While stories coming out of New York and Florida are encouraging (and finding common ground with the feminists has been nice), I do acknowledge the challenge of voting red in, say, San Francisco. Nevertheless, I still believe voting is a necessary act that bears tremendous importance in our country – both long-term and short-term. As an American, I believe that voting is not only a civic responsibility (like jury duty) but also a moral obligation. If a moral obligation is pursuing what we believe is right and acting on it, then supporting a candidate's policies obligates us to vote for them to fulfill this duty. Make sense? Not only that, but I strongly feel that abstaining from voting and other change-making activities undermines your right to later criticize the state of our nation. It’s kind of like hating from outside the club…and you didn’t even try to get in!

In 2024, an estimated 244 million Americans will be eligible to vote – some who are hot, and some who are not. Regardless, should voter turnout mirror the record-breaking levels we saw in 2020, it’s anticipated that over 162 million ballots will be cast this November by Americans all across the nation. Will you be one of them?