In swing state North Carolina, Olympic track and field medalist Allyson Felix has partnered with the nonprofit Chamber of Mothers to offer up to two hours of paid childcare through a service called PoliticIt. This initiative is designed to ease the burden for parents, allowing them to cast their votes without the stress of finding care for their children.
Further west, in areas of North Carolina devastated by Hurricane Helene, PoliticIt is providing full-day childcare reimbursements for parents needing assistance on Election Day. Felix commented, “You should never have to choose between your profession, your passion, and motherhood. I am honored to partner with the Chamber of Mothers to let moms know that in this election, you don’t have to choose between voting and motherhood. You can do both.”
A 2020 Knight Foundation study surveying 12,000 non-voters revealed that over 60% of non-voters are women, with many being single mothers. This highlights the importance of initiatives that support parents in fulfilling their voting responsibilities.
To receive reimbursement for childcare expenses, eligible parents can fill out a form provided by PoliticIt, detailing their anticipated costs.
In California, the childcare company Bumo, which provides education-based care for children aged six months to six years, has donated $20,000 to fund free childcare services offered in Los Angeles and San Francisco on Election Day.
Similarly, the Los Angeles-based childcare center Brella is offering free all-day childcare for children aged three months to six years, ensuring that parents can focus on voting without worry.
In New York, the VU Child Care Center is providing free services for caregivers throughout New York City and Westchester who are going to vote.
PoliticIt and its partner organizations are extending free childcare opportunities across various states, including California, Houston, Texas, Chicago, Illinois, New York City, Brooklyn, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama.
As highlighted by the organizations involved, “Childcare is expensive and should not be a barrier to voting. We believe parents should not have to choose between voting and caring for their children.” This movement seeks to ensure that all parents can participate in the electoral process while knowing their children are well cared for.
