Written by Deborah Pembrook, Outreach Advocate

One in three women and one in six men experience a sexual assault in their lifetime. Based on current population figures, approximately 82 million^[1] people in the United States have been sexually abused. By comparison, 82 million is more than the number of votes cast for either President Trump or Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election^[2]. Survivors united have incredible political power.

There are more survivors of sexual assault in the US than the population of Colorado,  Minnesota, South Carolina, Alabama, Louisiana, Kentucky, Oregon, Oklahoma, Connecticut, Puerto Rico, Iowa, Utah, Arkansas, Nevada, Mississippi, Kansas, New Mexico, Nebraska, West Virginia, Idaho, Hawaii, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, Montana, Delaware, South Dakota, North Dakota, Alaska, District of Columbia, Vermont and Wyoming combined^[3].

Survivors of sexual assault outnumber people working in all major segments of the American economy, including many sectors that are considered powerful voting blocs such as Manufacturing, Healthcare, Retail, and Finance^[4]. There are more survivors than people employed by small businesses^[5]. And there are 1,640 survivors of sexual assault for every Coal Miner.
There are more survivors than people in the US who watched the NASCAR Cup Playoffs^[6], the World Cup^[7] and the World Series^[8]. There are more survivors than viewers of Fox News, MSNBC and CNN^[9]. There are more survivors than the total number of Americans over the age of 60^[10].

I am a survivor of sexual assault. I am also a voter. What would happen if survivors voted for our own interests? What would happen if survivors and those who care for us were unified and organized? What would happen if we all voted?

So let me ask you, are you going to vote on November 6?

Residents of Monterey County can learn more about where to vote and voter registration at Monterey County Elections. For information in other parts of california, visit the California Secretary of State Website.Survivors of sexual assault, human trafficking, stalking or domestic violence aren’t able to register because they need to keep their residence address confidential may be eligible for the Safe At Home Program. Contact Monterey County Rape Crisis Center at 831-771-0411 or 831-373-3955 to apply.