John,

While Hollywood hands out the season's biggest awards at the 98th Oscars this weekend, Primary Election season is in full swing, and Americans across the country are handing out something even bigger: their vote at the ballot box.

That’s why this season, I’m rolling out the red carpet for just a few issues shaping 2026. Welcome to the When We All Vote Issues Awards. And now… the award for…

🏆 Most Talked-About Supporting Character in Everyday Life goes to… Cost of Living

This is quite the ensemble cast starring rent, groceries, and wages [[link removed]], with federal leaders writing tax policy and state officials setting minimum wage and labor protections.

Between the Lines: When people say the economy is their top issue, most are not talking about the stock market. They are talking about their everyday needs. And the people on your ballot have the power to change that.

🏆 Best Original Screenplay (Based on Your Actual Life) goes to… Reproductive Rights

Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade [[link removed]] in 2022, reproductive rights have been center stage — with state lawmakers passing bans and protections, courts deciding how much autonomy women actually have over their own bodies, and voters showing up to protect reproductive rights every time they are on the ballot.

Between the Lines: The script is currently being written in statehouses, courtrooms, and ballot measures that don’t always make the front page — which is exactly why showing up this election season should be at the top of your to-do list.

🏆 The “Protecting Lives” Humanitarian Award goes to… Gun Safety

Gun policy, including background checks, safe storage laws, and prevention funding [[link removed]], is written and rewritten at every level of government. And the people you choose to represent your community help decide what those policies look like.

Between the Lines: The leaders elected in this year’s midterms will have the power to pass — or block — critical gun safety measures. And in 2026, more than 45,000 seats are on the ballot, from city halls to Congress. Don’t let anyone tell you there’s nothing we can do about gun violence.

🏆 The Most Consequential Storyline goes to… Climate Change

The visuals are impossible to ignore: wildfires, flooding, record heat, and more. But climate change doesn’t just impact the environment— it's a cost-of-living issue, a public health issue, a "will my town still be here in 30 years" [[link removed]] issue.

Between the Lines: The elected officials making climate decisions aren't just the ones talking about air pollution. They are the ones approving housing developments in flood zones and choosing whether to invest or just hope for the best.

🏆 The Lifetime Achievement Award goes to… Voting Rights

Every issue — reproductive rights, gun safety, cost of living, climate, and more — is a voting rights issue. And who gets to do the choosing is what this award is about. Some laws make it easier to participate. Others make it harder. But the fight? Ongoing.

Between the Lines: Voting rights aren't just another issue on the ballot. They are the ballot. Protect them, and every other fight becomes possible. And right now, Congress is actively debating and deciding the rules that shape who gets to vote — and how.

We’ve wrapped up the biggest awards of the year, but the real winner? The voters.

You may not find them on stage, but every vote cast is a decision to shape the future you want to see. The people on your ballot will decide how these issues play out — so make sure you’re ready when it’s time to cast yours:

- Check if you’re registered (because things change). [[link removed]]
- Know when voting starts and ends (we don’t want any surprises). [[link removed]]
- Make a plan to vote (early, in person, and depending on where you are, sometimes by mail). [[link removed]]
- Learn what’s on your ballot, beyond the biggest pictures. [[link removed]]

Til next time,
Nandi

Nandi Henderson
Associate Director, Digital Engagement
When We All Vote 🗳️

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