Virginia’s Democratic Primary is tomorrow, and the Democratic field has narrowed from 29 candidates to only five. But that doesn’t mean you should stay home.

When the 2020 Democratic field started to shape up, it was the most diverse field the party had ever seen. Now, it has been narrowed down to four white people who are all over the age of 60 and one random candidate who is barely in the race. It looks like any other primary from the past, but when you vote, you aren’t just voting for the person. You’re voting for their unique experience, for their ideas, and for the people they surround themselves with. And at the end of the day, that’s what really matters.

For a long time, people of color didn’t have the right to vote, but our ancestors fought long and hard for that right. And it is our duty to them, and to those coming behind us, to use our vote and make sure our voices are heard.

Last year, Prince William County’s voter turnout reached a new high for local and state elections. More than 40% of registered voters in the county turned out, which was more than a 13% increase from 2015, the last time the county voted for local officials. With numbers like that for local races, high voter turnout is to be expected for the presidential election, too. Our votes in Virginia, and particularly in PWC, have incredible power. It starts with the primary.

Regardless of who you’re supporting, get out and vote tomorrow! As with every election, the future of our nation is at stake, and every vote counts. As Congressman John Lewis once said, “The vote is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have.”

What’s your plan for tomorrow?