The Power of a Single Mom’s Vote to Shape Our Future

With Election Day just hours away, I find myself reflecting on the power of our voices and the voices that often go unheard in our democracy. As the daughter of a single mom, I know firsthand the strength and resilience it takes to keep a family afloat on limited resources. My mother believed fiercely in the power of education. That belief opened doors and changed the way I saw the world, helping me dream in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Now, as a mother myself, I want my son to live in a world where opportunity is accessible and kindness is a prevailing value.

This election season, I’m thinking particularly of single mothers — women who shoulder enormous responsibility, often with limited support, yet whose voices are essential to building a just and inclusive society. Voting isn’t the solution to disrupting generational poverty, but it is a powerful lever. I am acutely aware of the impact a single vote can have in creating that world, especially when cast by those whose lives are deeply shaped by the policies and promises on our ballots.

In the U.S., nearly 10 million households are led by single mothers with children under 18. That number rises to more than 15 million when we consider those also supporting adult dependents. These mothers are a resilient force in our communities, yet they are frequently overlooked and underrepresented in our political conversations. Their votes are not only about personal survival; they’re about the future of their children and the neighborhoods where they live, work, and play. When single mothers vote, they bring invaluable perspectives that strengthen our democracy, making it more responsive, compassionate, and just.

Imagine a mom balancing work and school, managing child care, and navigating a long commute. Add to that the limited access to voter information and the very real hurdle of finding time to cast a ballot. These are barriers many of us never have to think about.

But let’s be real: for many single mothers, voting is a logistical challenge. Imagine a mom balancing work and school, managing child care, and navigating a long commute. Add to that the limited access to voter information and the very real hurdle of finding time to cast a ballot. These are barriers many of us never have to think about. Yet, without practical support, participation in our democracy can feel out of reach. This is why ensuring their voices are not only heard but empowered is essential.

Organizations like Jeremiah Program, which works to disrupt generational poverty by supporting single mothers and their children two generations at a time, and No Kid Hungry, committed to ending childhood hunger, are stepping in to provide that support. Jeremiah Program helps mothers create voting plans that address real-life needs like transportation, child care, and meal schedules. Because here’s the reality: a voting plan that doesn’t include provisions for child care, transportation, and food isn’t a plan — it’s a wish. And wishes alone won’t secure a voice at the table of democracy.

The importance of this election isn’t just about one day in November; it’s about the policies that will shape generations. For single mothers, the issues on the ballot — from affordable child care and health care to education and housing stability — are not abstract concepts; they’re fundamental to their families’ survival and success. The stakes are high, and the urgency is real.

When we talk about democracy, we often use the phrase “a seat at the table.” But for millions of single mothers, that table can feel inaccessible, distant, and elusive. This Election Day, I’m calling on all of us to make room. Can you support a single mom’s voting plan? Watch the kids, cook a meal, or drive her to the polls. There is power in standing with the millions of mothers whose votes are statements of resilience, hope, and determination.

Because when moms win, families win. And when families win, communities thrive. Together, we can build a future where every family, every voice, and every vote truly matters.

Chastity Lord is the President and CEO of Jeremiah Program.

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