To the Editor:

I woke up the day after the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg with a mix of fear, anger, and resolve. I’m afraid of the threat to the rights that Justice Ginsburg defended throughout her career, like LGBTQ+ equality and reproductive freedom. I’m angry that our democratic institutions seem to hang on the life of one woman, who held so much weight during her life, right to the end.

But I’m resolved, more than ever, to honor her legacy by organizing to defeat Donald Trump, flip the U.S. Senate, and ensure that no replacement justice is selected until the next presidential term begins.

As a youth organizer with NextGen North Carolina, I can attest to the incomparable youth voter enthusiasm this year. We know what is at stake. Progress on issues from affordable healthcare and climate action to immigrant rights and addressing systemic racism are on the ballot this fall, as is the fate of the Supreme Court.

I’m calling Sen. Thom Tillis’s office today and every day to demand he refuse a vote on the Supreme Court pick until our voices are heard, and I’m mailing in my ballot to vote for the representation we deserve. Join me.

Nicole Skinner

(Skinner lives in Asheville and is the WNC Regional Organizer Director for NextGen North Carolina)