Tammi Berry, Executive Director and Founder, My Systagyrl Foundation

Many people say, “My one vote doesn’t matter.”

But after working for the Registrar Recorder/County Clerk’s Office in Norwalk, California, during election seasons from 2003 to 2006, I can honestly say: Every single vote matters — and every vote is counted.

Before working there, I had heard people question whether voting really made a difference. I even asked myself the same question. Some people believed the system ignored ordinary voters. Others felt discouraged and decided not to participate at all. But once I became part of the election process behind the scenes, my entire perspective changed forever.

During election seasons, our workdays began early — as early as 6:00 a.m. when the polls opened — and often lasted until after 8:00 p.m. when the polls closed. We answered phone calls from voters, updated voter registration information, assisted people with questions about polling locations, and helped ensure that voters could participate in the democratic process smoothly and fairly.

But the work did not stop when the polls closed.

After voting ended, we carefully processed election materials from every polling place. One of the most important responsibilities was scanning and verifying every name listed in the ballot books to ensure each registered voter was properly accounted for. We also handled provisional ballots, the ballots many people mistakenly believe are ignored or thrown away.

I witnessed firsthand that provisional ballots were reviewed and counted. Every effort was made to ensure accuracy and fairness in the election process. That experience changed me deeply because I realized something powerful:

The system counts the people who show up.

That is why I firmly believe today that every vote truly does count.

When people choose not to vote, they are also choosing not to be counted. And sometimes elections are decided by surprisingly small numbers of votes. Candidates who may have had ideas, programs, and solutions that could help communities often lose because too many people stayed home believing their vote would not matter.

Then afterward, many communities wonder why their needs are not being addressed.

Voting is more than selecting a candidate. Voting is using your voice. It is participating in decisions that affect schools, healthcare, jobs, housing, transportation, public safety, and resources for our communities. Voting allows everyday people to help shape the future for their children and grandchildren.

I especially want to encourage young people who are turning 18 and becoming first-time voters.

I have asked young adults before, “Are you going to vote?” and many answer with one simple question: “Why?”

My answer is this: because the decisions being made today will affect your future tomorrow.

Young voters should care about voting because elected officials make decisions about college costs, student loans, jobs, housing prices, minimum wage, healthcare, climate issues, public transportation, mental health resources, and community safety. These are not “adult issues” for later in life — these are issues affecting young people right now.

For example, if a young person wants more affordable college opportunities, better job programs, safer neighborhoods, or stronger mental health support in schools and communities, those changes often begin with voting for leaders who support those priorities.

If young people stay silent, older generations will continue making decisions for them without fully understanding their needs, struggles, or vision for the future.

Young voters also need to understand that many people fought hard for the right to vote. There was a time in history when women could not vote. There was a time when African Americans faced intimidation, discrimination, and violence simply for trying to register to vote. Many sacrificed, marched, and stood courageously so future generations would have the opportunity to participate freely in democracy.

Choosing not to vote wastes a freedom that others fought to secure.

Your first vote matters.

Your voice matters.

Your generation matters.

As someone who worked inside the election system, I want people to understand this clearly: there are real people working long hours to protect the integrity of the process and to ensure votes are counted correctly.

Your vote is your power.

Your vote is your voice.

And your vote absolutely matters.

So please — register, stay informed, and vote in every election possible. Because when you vote, you are counted.

And when enough people participate, the true voice of the people can finally be heard.