I love San Antonio. It’s my home. In 2019, when it came time to decide which college I would attend, I knew that I could not leave this city and the people that make it up. San Antonio’s shared Community Vision grounds me, inspires me, and holds me accountable.

Last year, in the midst of a global health crisis, more than 12,000 people reaffirmed and strengthened the Community Vision. One of the Community Results that makes up this shared vision now reads:

^{In 2030, our entire community takes responsibility for our collective well-being. San Antonio fosters leaders across the community who collaborate to reach shared goals. Institutions across sectors value community-based knowledge and build trusted relationships.}

Voting is one way that we can take responsibility for our collective well-being. 2021 is the first year I am eligible to vote for Mayor and my City Council representative, as well as both of the local measures on the ballot this year. As I prepared to vote, I utilized local resources to make sure I was informed about all the things. I learned more about what’s on my ballot through SA2020’s voting resource (ILoveSanAntonio.org), and I set up a voting plan and got text reminders from SA2020’s nonprofit partner, MOVE Texas.

Last fall, I voted in a presidential election for the first time, but I think I am more excited to vote in this municipal election. Local elections provide the opportunity to make a direct impact on your day-to-day life because of the proximity of the issues and the leaders you are voting for. As someone who has interned with City Council, served on the San Antonio Youth Commission, and now works with the SA2020 team, I have seen how local elections can help move the community closer to the future we envisioned. 

With the last municipal election in 2019, San Antonians increased voter turnout by 78.8% since 2011, coming in just under the 2020 goal. This provides an opportunity for the next decade to continue to reduce barriers to voting. Efforts like allowing voters to vote at any polling location on Election Day and VIA Transit offering free rides to the polls have all helped move the needle on this Community Result. And this year, early voter turnout surpassed the 2019 early turnout. 

I show love for San Antonio by voting, volunteering, supporting local businesses and restaurants, going to college, and keeping San Antonio’s shared Community Vision close to my heart.

If you haven’t voted yet, Election Day is Saturday, May 1st, and you can get all your questions answered at ILoveSanAntonio.org.