#WhyIVote: Allure Editors Share Why They're Voting This Election

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Tomorrow will be a day for the history books, regardless of the outcome of what may be one of the most controversial presidential races in the history of our nation. Either former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump (yes, the man who recently earned himself an unofficial page in the Burn Book) will be elected the 45th president of the United States.

As a women's magazine, Allure supports—and has always supported—all things women's rights. But it's crazy to think that it was only in 1920 that the 19th Amendment to the the U.S. Constitution was ratified, granting women the right to vote. And while 1920 may seem like a long time ago, it's not. (The 97-year-old grandmother of one of our editors will be voting tomorrow!) So even to have the ability to vote for a female candidate for the highest political is nothing short of groundbreaking to us.

But keep in mind that every person's reasons for voting can be (and often are) slightly different. Maybe you're voting to keep reproductive rights in the hands of women, or you want to see education become more of a priority, or you want to see better immigration policy. Or maybe you're voting because you have the right to vote and aren't going to just waste it. The point is, you shouldn't waste your vote. Need some November 8 inspo? Here are a few reasons why editors at Allure will Rock the Vote this election.

“As a second-generation American, I recognize just how far this country—and a family—can come in a lifetime. Protecting the rights of women and people of all races isn't just vital in 2016, it keeps us on an important path for the future.” —Michelle Lee, editor-in-chief


"Our climate is changing, our seas are rising, the earth's species are going extinct—and if I don't vote, I can't even complain about it." —Danielle Pergament, executive editor


“I owe it to those before me, my country now, and my children to vote. I worry about this country's future and the disparity of resources, education, and justice, especially for African-Americans. Our country is in a fragile state, and yet we still have a democracy. There's no other option but to vote.” —Simone Oliver, digital director

“I vote as a second-generation Latina woman in this country because my ancestors have long fought for this very right, and I refuse to let their efforts go to waste.” —Chantel Morel, assistant digital editor


"I was born in Uzbekistan and came here with my family in the '90s. I don't always feel like I'm at home here, in part due to negative representation of immigrants in the media/by the government—for me voting is a step in the right direction.” —Maya Margolina, video producer

"Women’s health and reproductive rights are incredibly important to me both as a health editor and a woman, of course. The scary misinformation this election has spread is why I’m more impassioned than ever to elect candidates who not only allow women to have control over their bodies, but continue to impress upon the importance of sexual education. Not sure if you guys remember, but there was this one time a pretty cool lady said, 'Women’s rights are human rights, and human rights are women’s rights.' Oh, and my 97-year-old Gammy, who was born before the 19th Amendment was passed, is voting, too." —Rachel Zoldan, deputy digital editor

A Pakistani mother and daughter find a balance between traditional and modern style standards:


"I vote for progress, for my daughters, for our future, for my reproductive rights, for my immigrant parent, for my rights as a person of color. My grandparents fought hard for the right to vote, and they have not missed an election since—they are 92 and 96." —Nicole Chapoteau, accessories director

"According to our family’s historian, I am a descendant of a free black man who served in the Civil War and a woman, his wife, who was a slave until emancipation. They were my grandmother's great-grandmother and great-grandfather. Too many people put their lives on the line for the rights I am afforded today, so to neglect to vote would totally dishonor my family’s legacy and vital role in the history of this country." —Janell Hazelwood, associate digital research and copy editor


“I vote because I want to live a life with a purpose. I want to be present and actively involved. You can’t make a difference just by sitting on the sidelines and watching the world go by." —Ariba Alvi, associate social media producer


“I vote so that the gains that marginalized and oppressed people have made over decades and generations can't be reversed.” —Rachael Wang, fashion director

"I am a woman, I have a voice, and I want it to be heard. So many women around the world aren’t in a position to speak openly about the way their society is run, and I won’t ignore my duty as a citizen to vote for who I want shaping our future." —Elizabeth Denton, digital editor

"I want to be on the right side of history. We, as women, have come so far, and we deserve to keep on going forward." —Devon Abelman, associate digital editor

"Because it’s my right…and my responsibility." —Sophia Panych, digital beauty director

"In such an unprecedented election, we were all given a voice. Each of us has a stake in what the future holds. I'm not taking that for granted." —Hannah Choi, associate photo editor

"You have no right to complain if you don't vote. And who doesn't want to complain?" —Lori Segal, research director

"For me, as a black woman, this election is so important to me for every single ism: racism, sexism, feminism, and the inclusion of all people, not just a select demographic." —Amber Venerable, senior photo editor