Letting Our Voices Be Heard  

October 12, 2020 | (26) Comments

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.

26 Responses to “Letting Our Voices Be Heard  ”

  1. Rosie Valadez McStay

    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!

  2. 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.

  3. Johnna Carlson

    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!

  4. Julie McGuire

    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!

  5. Dionne Jane Walker

    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!

  6. Elex I Sanchez

    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

  7. Anthanette E. Darden

    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.

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