By Raena Boston
The Story Behind 'Vote Like a Mother™️'
Vote Like a Mother (VLAM) was originally founded by Sara Berliner. In the fall of 2022, she gifted VLAM to the Chamber of Mothers. We knew that we wanted to use this generous gift to mobilize mothers to lean into their power and vote according to their interests. With the next big election in 2024, we knew that we wanted VLAM to be a place where we could drive voter awareness, education, and turnout.
Our mission is to unite mothers as advocates for a better America. We can’t have whole and healthy mothers without paid leave, universal childcare, and strong maternal health support. These are kitchen table issues. The cost of childcare is outpacing the cost of rent in all 50 states. 25% of mothers are back to work two weeks after giving birth. 72% of mothers report moderate to high anxiety levels. The statistics are both sobering and enraging. Chamber of Mothers first reminds mothers of their strength and power. There are 85 million mothers in this country. United mothers are powerful mothers. United, we have the power to be a formidable voting bloc. The changes that we are advocating for will create a stronger, healthier, and happier America.
Empowering Moms to Help Create Real Policy Change
Lawmakers are not afraid of mothers…yet. A large part of our work is reminding mothers of their collective power to create change. Not only for ourselves but for the generations that come after us. Mothers have the right to take up space in the voting booth and beyond. We have the right to compel lawmakers to center paid family leave, universal childcare, and improved maternal health. These are policies that don’t just impact mothers they are good for everyone.
How Ballot Ready Helps Simplify Voting for Moms
We are really excited about the partnership with Ballot Ready! Moms don’t have a lot of time and it was important for us to be able to direct mothers to a place that makes the voting process simple and straightforward. All of the key information such as voter registration status, deadlines, and other resources are in a one-stop-site.
The ballot-building tool allows folks to research what will be on their ballot ahead of time and research candidates ahead of voting. This is not only important for the big elections like President, but also for state and local candidates and amendments. This tool equips moms to head to the polls from a state of empowerment and not overwhelmed.
Challenges Moms Face in Voter Turnout and How VLAM Helps
Voting can be overwhelming and time-intensive. VLAM exists to demystify and simplify the voting process. You can find out your registration status, see key deadlines for your state, and build your ballot. These resources are designed to help moms feel confident as they head to the polls. We also have a Vote Your Values Reflection Guide created by one of our chapter leaders to help moms vote in alignment with their values - not their partner’s or parent’s values but their values.
We are a nonpartisan organization. We don’t tell moms how to vote, but we encourage them to vote according to their interests and values. We provide resources on the tactical: how to vote, where to vote, key deadlines, etc. We also provide educational content such as blog posts on how Project 2025 would impact moms to information on candidate stances on issues such as childcare, paid family leave, and maternal health.
Will Maternal Health and Childcare Dominate Future Elections?
As awful as the pandemic was and continues to be, it has also been illuminating. It showed us all of the cracks in the system. It also showed us what was possible. We saw what federal investment in childcare did for families and childcare providers. We know that paid leave is possible because we had the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFRCA) which required certain employers to provide their employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. We know it’s possible to provide supportive care policies because it has been done. We are urging mothers to vote according to interest and to prioritize seeking out and supporting candidates who are supporters of paid leave, childcare, and improved maternal health.
Encouraging Moms to Vote—Even if They Feel Their Vote Doesn’t Count
Have you ever wondered why they think that their vote doesn’t matter? It’s so important to listen to others and hear why they believe that. I would then ask the types of things that are important to them. If it’s impacting your life then it is most likely on the ballot. I would listen to their concerns and connect them back to the power that we can wield when we vote. More than just the president and VP are on the ballot. There are 33 of 100 seats in the Senate, all 435 seats in the House of Representatives, governor seats in 11 states, and legislators in 86 of the country’s 99 state legislative chambers.
The Future of "Vote Like a Mother™️" and How to Get Involved Today
VLAM is a rallying cry. It’s a call to vote for the things that you believe in. I envision mothers voting like a mother in presidential elections, midterm elections, and when they’re voting for members of the city council and school board.
I’m excited to see pictures of moms in their VLAM gear and to hear stories of moms getting involved in the process and bringing others with them.
There are a few ways to get involved in this campaign:
- The first is to text MOTHER to 26797 or head to the VLAM section of our website. Both resources allow you to check your voter registration status and can be easily shared with others as a way to engage them in the process.
- On our website you can pledge to vote, build your ballot, and read up on the candidates.
- Finally, relational organizing makes all the difference. Talk about voting with family and friends. Share your personal story about what and who you are voting like a mother for. Sharing our stories makes voting personal and real.
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