Faith Grant is The Miami Foundation’s Collective Impact Officer. She joined our team in the fall of 2022 and oversees our team’s civic engagement, disaster resilience, and environmental sustainability work.

I love living in Miami. Born and raised, I feel like I belong here. The diversity of its hard-working people, delicious food, eclectic music, cultural activities, and scenic backdrop – all of these aspects keep me falling in love with Miami a little more every day. Of course, there are some things that I don’t love about Miami…cue the never-ending traffic and widespread social inequity. But I recognize that the things I’m dissatisfied with can always be changed. When you feel a sense of belonging, then you care enough to do something about it. And that’s where voting comes in.

Did you know that in some elections in Miami, candidates win by less than 100 votes? Not 10,000 or even 1,000…less than 100 votes! With margins like that, every single vote counts. As we look ahead to a big local election this fall, I foresee a huge opportunity. Hear me out…

What if instead of having some of the lowest voter turnouts in the country, Miami-Dade voters TURNED UP at the polls? As the most populated county in Florida, we have the power to meet this incredibly important moment. But first, we must believe that we can be the change that we want to see in our society – and that our voice matters.

How our communities operate is shaped by the voting decisions that we either make – or abstain from. Your parents, your kids, your neighbors, your friends – our community – their voices all matter. We all belong here, and we have the ability to shape the Greater Miami we want to see through the ballot box.

So how do we awaken a spirit of shared responsibility and civic health in Greater Miami? Here are a few steps for us to take action.

While my response to these questions will undoubtedly grow and evolve, these are my reflections so far: 

1. Understand why your voice (& vote) matters.

The fact that Miami is a melting pot is what makes it special. Home to many cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds – it’s also home to many issues and divides. It’s no wonder that our politics are constantly evolving. With the ongoing influx of residents, including many people from other countries, there’s a big opportunity for newly eligible residents to vote during the next election. 

Someone who hasn’t voted before may ask, “why should I vote?” To answer that, you need to understand what’s at stake. 

Have a child in public school? School board members help determine your kids’ education and how much their teachers get paid.  Investing in a new home? The Property Appraiser decides the value, which in turn affects your taxes. Call 911 to report an emergency? The Sheriff’s Office handles the police services that keep you safe.

These are just a few examples of the influence elected officials have on the policies that impact our everyday lives. Your vote decides who gets to make these types of important decisions on behalf of our community.

But not everyone understands the outsized impact that local elections have. It’s time to make this a part of our conversations as we all start talking more about the upcoming elections.

2. Get to know the issues facing your community.

Big issues for Florida voters include immigration policies, LGBTQ rights, gun control, economic policies, abortion rights, climate change, and more. On a local level, your vote determines what happens to the people, places, and services in Miami. This is why it’s important to get to know the issues facing your community.

For example, a recent county vote decided the fate of older people experiencing homelessness, influencing where government housing is developed. And with summer just beginning , local policies on heat protections will impact outdoor workers – including the landscapers who maintain our greenery, farmers who harvest our food, and construction workers who improve our roads and city.

Knowing what topics are up for debate can help you decide which candidates will fight for what matters to you. The power is in your hands .

3. Learn about the candidates.

With today’s access to information, there are many ways to learn about each candidate and issues on the upcoming ballot. This election season Miami-Dade County residents will vote for multiple county commissioners and four newly elected county positions, including voting for an elected sheriff. The last time we had an elected sheriff was in 1966! You can make an informed decision by doing your research and talking with people you trust. There are plenty of resources to help form your opinion, including:

● Candidate Forums: Many local candidates participate in forums leading up to the election to share their perspectives on the most important issues. In July, The Miami Foundation and partner nonprofits will host the Vote Miami Candidate Forums, where all Miamians can connect easily through Zoom to hear from local candidates from each district to understand their priorities and positions.
● Informational Websites: You can learn about your Miami government, including the roles of elected officials and key election dates and deadlines on websites like VoteMiami.org.

4. Sign up and vote!

Now that you know your stuff, it’s time to register to vote. You can also help your family and friends who are eligible to vote in Miami by sharing this information with them and getting them set up – remember, it takes a village.

The generations who came before us have shaped Miami into the unique and vibrant city we see before us today. We all belong here, and now it’s our turn to tell our elected officials what’s important to us.

I think Miami is more than ready to reawaken our unified civic leadership spirit. Come on 305 – take it to the polls!

Writing about the power and potential of connection truly gives me goosebumps.  At The Miami Foundation, we have the honor of spending every day connecting with the community – seeing its beauty, shining a light on its potential, and supporting its progress. My greatest hope in my new role is to create that same connection for each of you. I want you to feel the same joy that I get to experience every single day because of the power of connection.  Only when our entire community is truly connected will we be able to create a Greater Miami where every person can thrive.