Dear John,

It feels hard to believe, but Election Day is finally here.

To me, Election Day is a chance to witness democracy in action. It’s a day where we get to vote for the policies and people we believe in. Whether you voted early, are headed to the polls today (find your voting location here or text VOTE to 32434), or participated some other way—thank you for engaging in the hard and important work of democracy.

The truth is, the work of democracy isn’t always easy, and it is rarely fast. It can be frustratingly slow—even election results can be slow. I remember back in 2020 waiting anxiously for the results of the presidential election. It took four excruciating days to be called.

But as I was reminded then and know now: Democracy is worth the wait.

We’ll wait because every single vote matters.

We’ll wait for provisional ballots to be evaluated for the first-time voters who didn’t realize they had to register ahead of time, or for the people who showed up to the wrong precinct.

We’ll wait so that our absentee voters, including many in our military or first-time voters studying abroad, can have their voices heard even if their ballot is delayed in the mail.

We’ll wait because democracy takes time—and that’s a tradeoff we’re willing to make.

No matter what happens this election, the National Women’s Law Center will be here.

Ready for what’s next. Ready to protect and expand our rights. Ready to continue fighting for a society where all women and girls can thrive.

In the meantime, take care of yourself. Unplug from your phone if you need to. Spend time with your friends and family. And if you haven’t already, go vote!

In solidarity,

Fatima Goss Graves
she/her/hers
President and CEO
National Women's Law Center