This year has been one that no one has expected, from our communities trying to survive during a global health crisis to the magnifying glass that has been placed on our communities in Pennsylvania during the 2020 Presidential election cycle. For the first time in decades, we had to wait patiently to see the results of an election that we knew would have a real impact on everyone who lives in our communities, no matter which candidate won. At the Center for Coalfield Justice, we believe deeply that no matter the color of your skin, how much money is in your bank account, where you worship, or who you love, that your vote and voice matter. We took action and advocated throughout the week of the election to ensure all votes were counted – and they were, due to the dedication and hard work of our public servants in the county election offices.
The majority of us believe that for democracy to work for all of us, it must include all of us. Last week people in our communities and across our country stood with each other, marching to demand liberty and justice for all, pulling through this pandemic by pulling together and rejecting attempts to divide us based on what we look like, where we work, where we come from, or where we live. After waiting patiently for all votes to be counted, on Saturday the election was called in Pennsylvania, and the result was that Joe Biden had won the state and that all the incumbent State Representatives in Washington and Greene Counties won their re-election campaigns. The voters decided, and now we will work together to hold our new government to account – not to merely tackle the crises we are facing, but to make our communities a place where all of us can thrive.
We must move forward together and ensure the will of the people prevails. In the past, Republicans and Democrats have not always held our communities’ economic well-being and health as a priority. But we do. This election sparked increased activism, and going forward we have to see that same spark in even more people who will be engaged in advocating for everyone to have the right to thrive in Pennsylvania. No matter who you voted for in this past election, if you believe that everyone in our towns deserves to make a living wage, and have affordable healthcare, a clean environment, and an accountable government, we at CCJ are excited to work with you to achieve these goals in Washington and Greene Counties.
