Voting IS Harm Reduction

As we approach another critical election season, we are reminded once again that voting is not just a right—it is a form of harm reduction for those most affected by systems of oppression, bigotry, and discrimination. Voting is a powerful tool that gives us the ability to protect ourselves and our communities, including the LGBTQIA+ community, communities of color, women, and all those who continue to fight for equity and justice in the face of systemic barriers.

As a non-profit leader, I speak from a place of deep care for the communities I serve. We work every day to uplift marginalized voices and demand that our humanity be recognized and valued. Voting allows us to amplify those voices, to elect individuals who will acknowledge and act on our needs. The leaders we choose have the power to create laws and policies that either uplift our communities or further entrench inequities. This is why voting matters—especially at the local level, where decisions on education, healthcare, policing, and housing directly affect our day-to-day lives.

Voting as Harm Reduction

In an ideal world, we wouldn’t have to speak about elections in terms of harm reduction, but the reality is stark. LGBTQIA+ rights, reproductive rights, racial justice, and so many fundamental human rights are at stake with every election. Harm reduction means electing individuals who may not be perfect but who understand the importance of equity, inclusion, and justice. It means choosing representatives who we can collectively hold accountable, who we can work with to ensure that our communities are seen, heard, and respected.

We must vote for leaders who value our humanity and are willing to fight for our rights. This is particularly true when it comes to electing individuals who will push back against harmful policies that strip away protections from LGBTQIA+ people, women, and other vulnerable populations. Even when we don’t agree with a candidate on every issue, we can work with those who are at least open to dialogue and willing to listen to our concerns.

Local Elections: Where Change Begins

Many of us focus on national elections, but local elections are where much of the real change happens. Local leaders shape policies that impact everything from access to healthcare to school curriculums to police practices. Electing local officials who align with our vision of equity and inclusion can significantly shift the landscape in our favor. For instance, local governments can protect LGBTQIA+ people from discrimination in employment and housing, ensure that schools are inclusive and safe for all students, and provide funding for essential community services.

The decisions made by county executives, city council members, and school boards directly affect our lives. We need leaders in these roles who will uphold the values of justice, fairness, and inclusion. These local elections offer us the opportunity to elect people who will advocate for us when it matters most—people who we can count on to see our humanity, hear our voices, and push for policies that improve the lives of those most vulnerable in our communities.

Accountability and the Collective Voice

Voting is not just an individual act—it is a collective statement of our values as a community. When we vote, we are not just electing a person; we are asserting our right to be recognized and to have our humanity validated. By voting together, we create the possibility of holding leaders accountable, ensuring that they work toward a society where everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, or socio-economic status, is treated with dignity and respect.

At times, we may find ourselves voting for someone with whom we don’t fully agree, but who is open to the possibility of learning, listening, and being held accountable. This, too, is harm reduction. It is a strategy of working within the system to ensure that harmful policies do not pass and that those who would strip away our rights are kept out of power.

Voting for Your Bodily Autonomy

Fundamentally, voting is about ensuring that our bodies and our rights are respected. For LGBTQIA+ people, the right to live authentically is at stake. For women, the right to control their own bodies is continually under attack. For communities of color, the right to live free from the threat of violence, systemic racism and oppression is an ongoing struggle. All of these rights intersect, and voting is one of the most effective ways to defend them.

We must vote to ensure that those who refuse to see our humanity are not given the power to decide our futures. We must elect leaders who will stand up for human rights, who will protect the right to bodily autonomy, and who will fight to ensure that every person is afforded the dignity and respect they deserve.

How to Register to Vote

If you haven’t yet registered to vote, it’s not too late to make your voice heard! Though online registration has closed, you can still register during early voting or on Election Day.

• Register during early voting: Visit an early voting center in your county with proof of residence, such as a license, ID, bank statement, or utility bill. Find your early voting center here.

• Register on Election Day: Bring proof of address to your designated polling place and register on-site. Find your polling place here.

• Update your address: You can update your address during early voting or on Election Day by voting provisionally at your new polling location. Find your new polling place here

Request a mail-in ballot by October 31st: Click here to submit your request.

Let Your Voice Be Heard

Voting is your chance to make a difference, not just for yourself but for your community and for future generations. Let’s ensure that the leaders we elect will work for a more just, inclusive, and compassionate society—one that values all of us, in all our diversity. Your vote is your voice—make sure it’s heard! You matter, you belong, and remember to always live In your truth!

In love, joy, and solidarity,

Phillip Alexander Downie (he/him)

Email me at pad@mocopridecenter.org to say hello!

Phillip Alexander Downie is the Executive Director of Live In Your Truth, and the Chief Executive Officer of Montgomery County Pride Family, MoCo Pride Center, Inc.