We’re on the cusp of one of the world’s most highly anticipated political events of 2024: The US general election. It feels obvious, but it genuinely matters that every voice is heard in this election — especially if there’s any hope of making a real, sustainable, global change toward ending extreme poverty in the next few years. 

We get it — there is a lot of anxiety around this election season. The fact that half of the world’s population hit (or is on their way to) the polls this year means that the state of our future is up to voters — yes, the power is in your hands. 

You get to design the world you want to live in — and if you’re a Global Citizen, that means choosing to live in a world where the end of extreme poverty is a possibility and significant efforts to curb the climate crisis are well underway. 

Right now, none of the UN’s Global Goals are on track to be achieved by 2030. We’re witnessing the detrimental effects of conflict on the global population, as well as the seemingly never-ending man-made damage to the planet that has forced millions from their homes. 

If you’re in the US, making sure you’re registered to vote and casting a ballot this November 5 is your contribution to changing the status quo for the whole world. If you need more convincing, here are a few reasons to hit the polls this November: 

The US’ Climate Decisions Are Crucial to the Entire Planet.

The US is the second-biggest greenhouse gas polluter in the world after China — so the decisions the country makes on climate action are as crucial to the entire planet as they are to Americans. 

While climate change is not the leading topic in this year’s elections, it deserves significant attention from voters. This year alone, the US has seen extreme climate events such as Hurricane Beryl and wildfires in California strip citizens of their residences, businesses, and lives.

One key election topic, the state of the US economy, is intertwined with the climate crisis — for example, the costs associated with extreme weather disasters and how much taxpayer money is being used to fund fossil fuel projects. 

With the US historically playing such a large role in contributing to the climate crisis, it’s hopeful that they have committed $11.4 billion to international climate finance and helping other countries manage the effects. However, they are far behind in fulfilling that financial target. 

Furthermore, it’s estimated that $10 - $50 billion of US taxpayer money is still used as subsidies for the fossil fuel industry each year.

Deciding who runs the US government means deciding how much the climate crisis could cost the whole world — in tangible money, yes, but also in lives and livelihoods.

The Gender Equality Agenda Is Way Off-Track. 

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: the world is 300 years away from achieving gender equality for all people everywhere. Progress toward achieving gender equality stalled following the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as due to ongoing conflicts and wars across the globe.

Women’s rights in the US are a critical topic in this election in the aftermath of the reversal of Roe v. Wade in 2022. The overturning of a woman’s right to bodily autonomy could still result in global-reaching consequences through the US’ influence on global laws.

US Foreign Policy Decisions Can Influence Global Wars And Conflicts.

There are over 110 conflicts happening in the world right now, and we’ve noted many times before how much war and conflict cause and sustain poverty. 

US foreign policy decisions can make a difference in how many people are impacted by conflict every year through mediating talks between warring parties, imposing sanctions, and leading in advocacy for change. The influence the US has on global politics cannot be understated, and if we want a true end to global poverty, that means working towards an end to armed violence and conflict. 

We could also mention the decline in global education funding that US decision-making could help improve or even access to quality health care for people in the country and those in urgent humanitarian situations across the globe. Still, the gist of what we’re saying is this: the vote that you make in November goes beyond the borders of North America. 

You matter and your voice can make an important difference. Check your voter registration here, and if you’ve not already done so, register to vote and make your voice heard this election season.