With the 2024 election just a few weeks away, we asked UC colleagues to share why they’re heading to the ballots this year.
Inspired by their stories? Get all the info you need to vote.
Andrea Crider
“I’m a new UC staff member, working at the Criminal Law & Justice Center at the Berkeley School of Law. I’m voting in this year’s election because I want my voice to count and I want my community’s needs met. The topics most important to me in this year’s election are criminal justice reform through reducing mass incarceration and investing in community solutions that target the underlying root causes of crime; housing first for our homeless neighbors; and women’s rights and access to reproductive care.
“I think everyone who’s eligible should vote because voting ensures our electors are held accountable for the promises they make to their constituents. I help others in my community to vote by dissemnating information on ballot measures, people running for office and where and how to register and vote. I also make sure people know their rights around voting and encourage people to sign up to volunteer as poll workers. I’ll never forget volunteering as a poll worker in high school. That experience solidified my commitment to helping ensure access to voting and free and fair elections for all.”
Brandi Beaudoin
“I think everyone who’s eligible should vote because there are many of us who have ancestors who were not allowed to vote. I am fulfilling my ancestors’ dreams by voting. Women and people of color in the United States were not allowed to vote years ago. It took hundreds of years for that to change. The 19th Amendment of 1920 allowed women the right to vote and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 guaranteed voting access to people of color.”
Brandi is a benefits analyst II at the UCOP Retirement Administration Service Center.
Jim Hewlett
“I work at UC Davis in the Supply Chain Management (SCM) organization as a communications analyst, maintaining the various SCM web pages, as well as creating online and in-person training for Aggie Enterprise, the UC Davis Oracle-based financial system.
“I’m sharing a photo of myself producing my weekly public affairs show (“The Smiles Show”) for UC Davis radio station, KDVS at 90.3FM. The show highlights resources and topics to help the community learn and become more empowered, including personal and mental health and well-being, environmental awareness, urban and transportation design to make cities more welcoming and inclusive, and local events that help build community.
“One of the things I have focused on recently on The Smiles Show is voter registration, as well as how to become more aware of local election and ballot issues. Most voters are aware of the choices for U.S. President, but many are not aware of the local city and council candidates, tax issues and propositions that often have a bigger impact on their daily life. Plus, change starts locally! The issues we vote on today on the local level often become national issue in the future.”
Spencer Scruggs
“I’m the director of the Center for Accessible Education at UCLA. I’m voting in this year’s election because I believe that voting is not just a right but a responsibility. The topics most important to me in this year’s election are protecting LGBTQ+ rights and the right to bodily autonomy for women.
“Something that excites me about this year’s election is the surge of excitement and participation in politics from Gen Z. It’s so energizing to see a younger generation get involved and understand the importance of voting as a civic duty.
“I think everyone who’s eligible should vote because an engaged electorate, regardless of differences in thought and philosophy, is essential to protecting our democracy and improving the everyday lives of individuals who reside in the United States.”