As the crucial 2026 midterm elections approach, AFSCME delegates took part in a stirring musical tribute to our union’s legacy of fighting to protect the right to vote.
Led by musician Melody Angel, who sang the famous song “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” AFSCME members from across the country recounted how our union has always stood up to ensure every American is able to make their voice heard at the ballot box.
Charlotte James, a member of NUHCCE District 1199C from Philadelphia, explained how protecting the right to vote is tied to many other rights, like the right to bargain collectively.
“It’s our voice at the ballot box that gives us a voice on the job,” said James. “It gives us the economic security we deserve. It gives us the power to fight back against those who want to silence us.”
Kanika Jones, a member from Arizona Local 2960, emphasized that we must fight to ensure that every vote is counted and that everyone has a way to vote — including voting by mail. And we cannot let those who cast doubt on the integrity of our elections win.
“In Maricopa County, Arizona, where I was born and raised, we turned out the vote for pro-worker candidates. But when anti-worker extremists started to realize they couldn’t win fair and square, they tried to stop our ballots from being counted. They created false stories about voting machines, targeted election workers, all to sow distrust in our democracy,” Jones said.
Jones spoke alongside Richard Fuentes, a member of Council 57 in California, who said:
“We all have a part to play this election cycle. We need to spread the word to our families, our friends, our co-workers to get out and vote. That trained election workers — including AFSCME members — are there to ensure that every vote counts. That our democracy works, and that every ballot must be tallied.”
Amy Schutt, a Council 5 member in Minnesota, described what she and her fellow union members are doing in her state.
“Every election cycle, my fellow union members and I encourage people to get to the polls and register to vote. There’s nothing more powerful than having face-to-face conversations with community members to explain why they need to make their voices heard,” Schutt said.
Channeling our union’s past will be critical in electing pro-worker lawmakers in 2026 and beyond. We will do our part to make sure every eligible voter is able to cast a ballot this November.
