Today is Election Day. That means today, Tuesday, November 5, is the last day to cast our votes for a host of political offices that have the power to determine the course of the future for our individual and communal lives. CRS encourages all who read this to make that choice.

Community Renewal Society believes voting rights are intrinsically connected to our work to eliminate barriers due to racism, poverty, and LGBTQIA+ rights and reparations, two of our most recent platforms issues. Meaningful legislation that compensates the descendants of enslaved Africans and allows all LGBTQIA+ people to fully enjoy the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness can not pass without supportive lawmakers.

In the wake of last week’s deeply disappointing Senate failure to restore and expand voting rights, that question hits a little harder. But the answer, I think, is the same—we are still what democracy looks like.

The bill would protect our elections from voter suppression, partisan sabotage, gerrymandering, and dark money.

Join us in hastening the day of freedom! Here are 3 things we can do!

Community Renewal Society pledges to continue working against all forms of voter suppression, supporting advocacy groups, community organizations and our private sector partners to strengthen voting rights, as well as push for passage of voting rights legislation on Capitol Hill.

Women’s History Month gives us time to reflect on the often overlooked contributions of women to history, culture and society. This month, we give thanks to the women who fought for the right to vote.

Florida voters just approved a constitutional amendment to restore the right to vote to people with conviction histories. In Illinois, we already have that right but we don’t have access.

The next chapter in the story of the City of Chicago is currently being written. Unfortunately, history tells us very few people will participate in shaping the city’s future.

Nobody who works full-time should have to live in poverty. Vote yes to raise the minimum wage and help to Get Out the Vote for the November 4, 2014 election.

This will be a close election. Take action and vote early today for the mid-term election. Talk with people in your church about the importance of voting. Our votes can make a difference.