The Mom Vote Matters
By Sarah Gabel Seifert, Founder & CEO of EveryLife
Did you know that moms with little ones are less likely to vote? Research published in the Quarterly Journal of Political Science found that women with an infant during an election year are 3.5 percentage points less likely to vote than women without children.
To me, that number doesn't mean moms don't care. I think it points to two realities.
First, moms have a lot on their plates. Between schedules, school drop-offs, diaper changes, endless to-do lists, and caring for everyone else, there's often very little margin left in the day.
Second, I think sometimes we underestimate the incredible privilege and responsibility we have as mothers, believers, and citizens to make our voices heard. And because of that, voting doesn't always receive the priority it deserves.
But here's what I know about moms: When we understand how much something matters, we find a way. We always do.
Your Vote Shapes the Country Your Children Will Grow Up In
The decisions made in our town halls, state capitols, and Washington, D.C., have a direct impact on the lives of the children we're raising.
Their schools. Their communities. Their freedoms. The opportunities they'll have as adults. And ultimately, the kind of country they'll one day raise their own families in.
At EveryLife, we believe every miraculous life is precious and worth protecting. And those little lives entrusted to our care are a powerful reminder of why our participation matters.
When you cast your vote, you're not just making your own voice heard. You're helping shape the future for the next generation.
What an incredible privilege that is.
A Privilege, Not Just a Civic Duty
As a woman of faith, I don't see voting as simply another box to check on my to-do list. I see it as one way to steward what God has entrusted to me.
In Jeremiah 29:7, God instructs His people, while living in exile in Babylon, to seek the peace and welfare of the city where they live and to pray for it.
What a beautiful reminder that we are called to care about the communities and country we call home, rather than withdraw from them.
Proverbs 31:8–9 also reminds us of the importance of speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves and defending the rights of those in need.
Our children, and the little ones not yet born, cannot cast a ballot. But we can.
And I believe using our voices to advocate for the dignity and protection of every life is one meaningful way we can love our neighbors and honor God.
So before heading to the polls, take a moment to pray. Ask God for wisdom and discernment. And approach the opportunity to vote with a grateful heart.
Make It a Priority
If you haven't voted yet, make a plan to do so. I know firsthand that getting out the door with little ones isn't always easy, but a little preparation can make all the difference.
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Plan ahead. Look up your polling location, voting dates, and hours on your state's official election website so there are no surprises.
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Find your window. Whether it's after school drop-off, between naps, or when your husband or another caregiver can help, choose a time that works best for your family.
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Pack the essentials. Snacks, water, diapers, wipes, and a favorite book or toy can go a long way if you're bringing little ones along.
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Bring your children with you. Where permitted, let your kids experience the voting process alongside you. It's a wonderful opportunity to teach them about citizenship, responsibility, and the freedoms we enjoy.
Then Reach Out to a Friend
Once you've voted, consider how you can help another mom do the same.
Text a friend and check in. Offer to watch her children while she heads to the polls. Coordinate a time to go together. Or simply show up with a coffee and some encouragement.
Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness make the biggest difference.
One thoughtful text or practical offer of help could make it possible for another mom to participate.
You've Got This, Mama!
You are raising the future. And through your participation in our democracy, you have an opportunity to help shape it.
So grab the diaper bag, buckle those babies in, and make your voice heard.
And if you can, help another mom do the same.
Because the mom vote matters. And so does yours.
With love and gratitude,
Sarah Gabel 🇺🇸
Source: Angela Cools, "Parents, Infants, and Voter Turnout: Evidence from the United States," Quarterly Journal of Political Science, Vol. 17, No. 1 (2022). https://nowpublishers.com/article/Details/QJPS-20072
