If you need a dopamine boost, look no further than Susan Alexandra. Her mission is to bring sparkle and joy to everyday life, as told through her bold, bright and irreverent accessories. Handmade in downtown Manhattan, the signature beaded bags are guaranteed to make a statement and induce a smile at your local polling station, or anywhere for that matter.

HOW IS SUSAN ALEXANDRA EMPOWERING PEOPLE TO VOTE?
I decided to use my platform to support the importance of voting in this year’s election by designing a Vote Bag. A portion of the proceeds are being donated to the ACLU, and I’ve also partnered with Head Count, an organization that practices participation in democracy, to promote registering and pledging to vote. If I’m able to use my brand to encourage others to vote, then hopefully that makes a difference!

WHY IS VOTING IMPORTANT?
It’s an opportunity for change. Voting gives you the chance to use your voice and express your opinions and interests. It’s also about education. Voter suppression is real, so while it’s important to vote for yourself, your vote may also benefit others.

Twin sisters Lizzie and Kathryn Fortunato founded their eponymous accessory brand in 2008. The New York City-based duo manifests their love of travel, fine art, vintage textiles and deep appreciation for different cultures into unique accessories that tell a story.

HOW IS LIZZIE FORTUNATO EMPOWERING PEOPLE TO VOTE?
As a brand, we know that we are small but mighty. Our voice reaches many followers, and we want to use that reach to make a positive impact. We have been using our Instagram feed and IG stories to encourage voting, to provide voting resources and to share important dates, deadlines and links to sign up to vote. We also added a link to register to vote and to request a ballot to our home page at LizzieFortunato.com.

WHY IS VOTING IMPORTANT?
Many people do not live in places where their voice and vote can make a difference. We are so lucky to live in a democracy, and we believe strongly in exercising your right to vote. We are voting for the future of our babies!

At Tanya Taylor, clothes are not only silhouettes cut from bold, beautiful textiles, clothes are also a tool to make women feel like the best versions of themselves. The original prints conceptualized in her New York design studio are so powerful, they caught the eye of former First Lady Michelle Obama who wore her design to a White House holiday party.

HOW IS TANYA TAYLOR EMPOWERING PEOPLE TO VOTE?
The fashion industry holds a lot of power, and that power and influence should be used to encourage positive change. It’s important for me to use my platform to speak up for what I believe in. I am a founding member of Fashion Our Future 2020, a multi-brand campaign that aims to galvanize voter registration through fashion. We encourage our community to check their registration, register to vote and get involved.

WHY IS VOTING IMPORTANT?
Being Canadian, I personally can’t vote in this election, but my business is a New York City business. Our employees are American and leadership affects our livelihood. This is an important election, and I feel a responsibility to my team and my community to use the platform that I have to advocate for what I believe in. It’s important to be a cheerleader, even if you can’t play in the game.