We’ve officially made it to the last quarter of the year. The weather has cooled down slightly—we’re happy when we get anything below 90 degrees here in Texas—and we’re beginning to see pumpkins, football and the feeling of the holidays coming up around the corner. And this year, we are also nearing a very important and monumental time: Election Day.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3—but early voting in Texas begins today, October 13. I encourage each of you to vote, and vote early if you can.
Voting, both at the local level and for the next leader of our country, is one of the most vital and impactful things you can do for yourself, your family and for future generations. I can’t express enough just how much your vote truly counts. I know it’s easy to convince yourself that your one vote doesn’t really matter, but I promise you it does. There are numerous elections in U.S. history that have come down to a narrow window of electoral votes.
Due to COVID-19 and the increased number of absentee and mail-in ballots, we may not know the winners of our local and national elections when we go to bed on November 3—it may even take a few weeks for the final results to be announced. And because of this, it is more important than ever that we await these results peacefully, and respectfully. We are an institution guided upon equality and inclusivity, and I urge you to practice these principles in the coming weeks both inside and outside of our Texas Children’s doors.
Texas Children’s is filled with some of the most remarkable people I know—passionate and kind people who work every day to care for those around them. I have watched you all treat each other with dignity and respect as we’ve navigated through some of the most challenging times these past few months—you have been true leaders in our community. As we enter this election season, I encourage and ask each of you to please continue leading by example and treating all those around you with kindness.
I’m looking forward to casting my vote and participating in one of the fundamental components of our democracy, and I hope you will join me. No matter who you vote for, I encourage you to take pride in your vote and in our nation, peacefully and respectfully.
Thank you for this gentle reminder — we must practice our most fundamental right to choose and elect our local, state, and national leaders! We should never have that choice be made for us because of the belief that our vote doesn’t matter. I’ll see you at the polls!
Thanks for the great reminder Mark. 11-3-20 is my Birthday. I will be 74 years old and will also be retiring on 11-2-20 from the best job I ever had. Thanks for the joy of giving to others and I will miss our Amazing Team. Joyce Barrs.
Enjoy your well earned retirement. And have a great birthday.
How nice. Thank you Gary. I voted today.
Joyce, congratulations on your birthday and so many years at TCH. A wonderful post.
Thank you Diane for the well wishes. I am going to miss our Amazing Team. Joyce
We share the same Birthday. Happy early birthday Ms. Joyce and congratulations on your retirement. I pray you have the best retirement ever as you experience great health, great wealth and perfect peace!
Hi Eva,
Happy Birthday to you. hanks for the well wishes.
Joyce
Thank you for setting the example and encouraging all to exercise our very unique and precious right and civic duty.
Indeed!
Thank you Mr. Wallace for being an AWESOME Leader of Texas Children’s Hospital. It is definitely a pleasure working here and I absolutely love my job here.
Let your voice be heard and help others make sure their voices are heard too. Volunteer at the polls; offer to bring someone to the polls who doesn’t have a way to get there; stay safe and wear a mask while maintaining distance when in line if you decide to vote physically. Protecting yourself and others is another way of expressing your voice and all that is good in our community.
Yes!
I couldn’t agree more! One of our founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson, said “We in America do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.” Our voices absolutely matter and our votes 100% count. Collectively we can ensure our government is representative of our voices. Thank you, as always, for providing your voice and leadership on the most important issues!
Thank you, Mr. Wallace for encouraging and reminding us to take action on our right to vote. It is important to look at what and who is on the ballot (propositions and every level of officials: Federal, State, and Local). Looking forward to exercising my right! Be a voice!
Thank you for this important reminder! Voting is empowering. I’ll see you at the polls!
I voted today~~~ First day of early voting! Thank you to those who are keeping the polling places safe and orderly!
Thank you for the critical reminder! I’ve already cast my ballot and, like you, I’m encouraging others to the same! The decisions made by our elected officials affect so many aspects of our lives! Having the right representation is crucial, especially now!
Once again you showed up as the leader I aspire to be. Thank you Mr. Wallace.
Mr Wallace, I appreciate the reminders. I hope you don’t mind if I remind a few others in their language
Ha todo nuestro Latinos o Latinx ir a Votar. Tu vota es muy importante.
Translated:
To all our Latin or Latinix go vote. Your vote is important
Joyce, congratulations on your retirement and wishing you a very Happy Birthday from your TCH family. God Bless you and keep you, may he shine his face upon you.
Thank you Angela. You prayers mean a lot to me. Joyce
Thank you for the post Mr. Wallace. What an important reminder to get out and vote during such an important election!
Voted on yesterday and it took me less than 15 minutes. I love the experience of drive through voting, it was quick, easy on the legs and back lol.
I voted today. It took less than 20 minutes. I didn’t mine getting wet. This was a important walk in the rain. Let us ALL have our voice heard!
Mr. Wallace Thanks again for the informative blog and how you reach out to everyone who works here. I feel as though you are speaking to me individually by the words and encouragement you give all of the employees at this organization. Yes voting is everyone’ responsibility and I too voted the first day of early voting.