Democracy in Action: Our Work, Our Voices, Our Future
By Rami Muth Co President LWV Solano
Democracy doesn't happen by itself. It happens when people show up, get involved, ask questions, become informed, and most importantly, vote.
As Election Day approaches, we are reminded that voting is more than a civic responsibility. It is one of the most meaningful ways we participate in shaping our communities, our state, and our country's future. Every vote represents a voice, and every voice matters.
Please make your plan to vote on or before November 3rd! With Election Day just around the corner, we encourage voters who have not yet returned their ballots to vote in person or use one of the official ballot drop boxes listed in your Voter Information Guide. Don't wait until the last minute!
And remember, November 3rd is not the end of our work. It is the beginning of the next chapter. Democracy does not happen every 2 or 4 years; it requires our continued attention, participation, and willingness to engage—even after the ballots have been counted.
As I reflect on this election season I am most taken with how much we have been able to accomplish in such a short time. From candidate forums and propositions presentations to student voter registration drives and community outreach, our members worked tirelessly to make sure Solano County residents were able to access unbiased, nonpartisan information they need to participate in our democracy.
Here are a few highlights from our election season:
- Candidate Forums: We helped bring voters and candidates together through six local candidate forums, including those in Fairfield, Suisun City, Benicia, Vallejo, Vacaville, and Rio Vista. Several were also livestreamed, extending their reach beyond the room.
- Propositions Education: We presented several community forums to help voters understand the complex issues and choices on the November ballot. These programs reached audiences in Benicia, Vallejo, Vacaville, Fairfield, and beyond.
- Investing in Young Voters: We partnered with MIT Academy and Solano Community College to provide student-led voter registration training, Rock the Vote activities, and registration drives. Helping young people find their voices and understand their civic responsibilities is an investment in our future. We developed materials for first time voters so they can more fully understand their rights and responsibilities as voters.
- Community Engagement: From postcard-writing gatherings and voter registration at senior communities to our Democracy Matters presentations, we brought civic education to people where they live, learn, and gather. The grants we received help further our reach and broadened our audience.
- Standing Up for Democracy: We participated in community events, including the Solano Pride celebration and the No Kings Rally, reminding our neighbors that an informed and engaged public is essential to a healthy democracy. Susan B. Anthony reminds us that, “People struggled for you to have the right to vote. Use it!”
- Encouraging the Next Generation: Our student essay contest invited young people to reflect on what democracy means to them and the importance of using their voices.
We have demonstrated that democracy works best when every eligible voter can participate freely, safely and confidently. These are just some of the activities made possible by dedicated League members, community partners, volunteers, and residents who believe that democracy is worth the effort. Every forum, every conversation, every registration, and every opportunity to inform a voter makes a difference.
Celebrate With Us!
Please join us on Sunday, November 8th, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. at Rock Creek Winery 4610 Green Valley Road in Fairfield as we gather, connect, and celebrate our shared commitment to democracy and the work we have accomplished together.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who has participated, volunteered, attended a forum, registered a voter, or simply taken the time to become better informed. We hope you can join us for this celebration. We thank you for being part of this important work. Together we are making a difference.
