Our Time Is Now: Power, Purpose, and the Fight for a Fair America

by Stacey Abrams

We know the nation is rapidly diversifying, but the acceleration of demographic transformation is faster in certain areas, like the Sun Belt (the collection of Southern and Western states stringing from North Carolina across to Arizona). Still, changes are occurring nearly everywhere, affecting how electoral power is disbursed and what policies are expected in return. The power of democracy is concentrated in the right to vote, and voter suppression has been the most effective means of disrupting that ability. But who a person votes for matters as much as having the ability to cast a ballot. With candidates who reflect a range of experiences, outlooks, and, yes, identities, stepping up to be elected, voters have recently experienced an unprecedented array of choices. Now, from the most local to the highest federal offices, candidates are expected to reflect the mélange that is America. And voters believe they should be able to make a choice between more than two heterosexual white men. The increase in political activity outside of elections has raised awareness of who is in charge and what is being said or done to respond to community demands. The first step is election, but those new leaders are expected to show results.