I don't have a finished quilt to share with you this week but I did finish another of my "Vote" blocks. This one uses the Spell It With Fabric letters from Moda.
(You can get the free pdf pattern here.)
The blocks finish at 10" tall. I haven't attached them together yet because I am not sure exactly how I will use them in the quilt. It might be fun to add some stars in between the letters. But I have lots of time to think about that - I have many more blocks to do!
You can see the comparison to the smaller 4" blocks I wrote about earlier.
As I was working on the blocks, I thought a lot about the importance of voting in both the big and the small elections. Sure, it is important to vote for our President, Senators and Representatives but I think the smaller elections are just as important.
Here are some positions you might see in your smaller elections along with some of their responsibilities...
A Mayor not only runs the day to day administration of a city, but they are also responsible for setting the tone of the culture of the city. They help to recruit businesses and take a lead role in city legislation. They also usually appoints the chief of police to manage law enforcement.
A Sheriff is typically an elected position that oversees a county and is responsible for seeing that the laws are enforced fairly.
District Attorneys decide when an arrest leads to a charge. They are also the ones who negotiate plea bargains. This position can either be elected or appointed depending on your area.
State Legislators are responsible for policies that set the tone of the culture of your state. They define what constitutes the procedures for responding to crime, sentencing structures and funding government agencies that are responsible for dealing with offenders and victims.
Your state legislator represents your area within the state.
There is great importance in these positions - they directly influence our day to day lives and the lives of our neighbors. If you are not happy with how these positions are being run, use your vote and influence to try and make a positive change.
Please vote in ALL of elections!
A further step I am taking to ensure a positive change is to join my Neighborhood Association. This group represents 26K people of my city's population. Attending these meetings gives me access to my local officials and to hear their views and policies. I want the place I live to be a welcoming, healthy and safe environment for all.
Making changes takes some effort - I am dedicated to seeing a better tomorrow!
13 comments:
I think we all hope for a better tomorrow - good information!
Way to go Cynthia... you are a change agent!
I love this and thank you so much for the post. I always vote. This year as I decided I was too terrified of COVID-19 to leave the house to vote I got a mail in ballot for the first time. I plan to continue to vote by mail in ballot until there is a vaccine. Now I’m off to make more masks!
Great blocks, I like the variety of sizes you are making. And well said. I have been amazed to learn how few people vote in more local elections.
I agree, Cynthia. Go out and vote. It's the chance to have your voice heard!
Those are great letters - love the black with colorful dots fabric you used! I appreciate your posts about such an important topic these days, and agree about even the small, local elections mattering. We've experienced that here in Loveland even at the school board level!
I've always believed that if you don't vote you don't get to complain.
I actually think the local and state elections are the most important! I remember how excited I was when I was old enough to vote and make a difference! That was many many elections ago!
Thank you for this post, voting is so important and as you say, not just the big ones, local matters as well.
Well said! I vote every election, and make sure to stay informed locally, and statewide, as well as nationally. It takes all of us to stay strong!
You certainly are making an important statement! I’ve learned more about politics these last few months than during my whole other life.
I'm always fascinated that your Sheriffs and District Attorneys are elected.
Voting is so different from country to country. But your message runs true regardless of where you live. Thank you for reminding us it's important to vote. Not sure what election we have coming up here next but you can bet I'm going to be looking at the issues and casting my ballot.
Post a Comment