Linda Sadacka
In a world where headlines are shaped by legacy media and celebrities flaunt their endorsements as if they’re creed, something remarkable is happening beneath the surface. Across New York City, the recent election results have flipped the script, proving that the real power lies not in elite endorsements or media spin, but in the hands of everyday people. This grassroots surge has sent a shockwave through the political landscape, and it’s something every one of us should take to heart: our votes matter.
Take a close look at the recent shifts in traditionally working-class neighborhoods across the city. In places like Washington Heights, the West Bronx, Flushing, Richmond Hill, and Bensonhurst, we saw communities band together, ignoring the noise from mainstream influencers, and casting their votes for a change they truly believe in. Despite being flooded with media narratives and the predictable celebrity endorsements, people showed that they weren’t swayed by empty rhetoric. Instead, they chose candidates who genuinely represented their concerns—on issues like public safety, economic opportunity, and a better quality of life. This movement wasn’t driven by Hollywood; it was driven by you.
Why the Grassroots Shift Matters
These results reflect a new era of political engagement, one that is powered by voters who are tired of being told what to think. Trump’s success in these areas wasn’t handed to him by influencers or traditional media outlets. In fact, his gains were achieved despite them. This was a victory rooted in the real lives and real struggles of New Yorkers who feel overlooked by the establishment and who want leaders who will finally take their concerns seriously. This is what happens when the people take back the narrative.
Consider our own community’s role in this transformation. In the recent New York State Assembly race, we didn’t just show up—we broke records. Voter turnout soared from approximately 23,000 to over 33,000, an increase of nearly 50%. This wasn’t a passive response; it was a deliberate choice to show that we’re tired of being ignored. Our community’s voices resonated louder than any media personality or celebrity endorsement, proving that when we come together, we have the power to change outcomes.
Why Every Vote Matters—
And What Happens When You Don’t Show Up
If you’re not registered to vote, you’re handing over your voice to others who may not share your values or understand your needs. Every single vote contributes to a bigger picture, and when we fail to show up, we leave decisions that impact our lives in the hands of those who don’t represent us. Voting isn’t just a right; it’s a responsibility to ourselves, our families, and our community. It’s the single most powerful way we can demand accountability and ensure that our concerns are addressed.
When we don’t vote, we’re doing more than just skipping a civic duty. We’re allowing those with louder platforms and larger megaphones—often in the form of legacy media and celebrities—to shape policies and elect leaders who may not understand or care about our issues. By staying home, we’re giving them the power to define our future without our consent. This election showed what happens when we refuse to let that happen. It was a victory not just for candidates, but for the idea that real change is still possible when people come together.
The Path Forward:
Building on the Momentum
This election cycle has taught us an important lesson: grassroots movements are not just alive, but thriving. Our community’s increased turnout and impact didn’t go unnoticed. Political leaders are beginning to understand the strength of our voice and the weight of our values. This recognition alone has already strengthened our influence, enabling us to push for policies that align with our needs more directly than ever before. But this is only the beginning.
We must keep building on this momentum. We need to encourage everyone—friends, family, neighbors—to register and to vote. We need to ensure that our voices aren’t just heard in one election cycle, but in every election, at every level. When we continue to show up in numbers, we send a message that can’t be ignored, that can’t be spun, and that won’t be drowned out by celebrity endorsements or media bias.
A Call to Action:
Your Vote is Your Power
As someone who has spent years urging our community to register and vote, I want you to know that this is not just about a single election. This is about our future. This is about showing that no matter what the establishment says, we are the ones who hold the real power. We’ve proven that when we stand united, no narrative is too big, no media machine too powerful to drown out our voices. Let’s continue to push forward. Register to vote if you haven’t. Show up at the polls. Remind everyone around you that their vote is their power. Together, we are more than a community—we are a movement, and this movement has only just begun.
Linda Sadacka is a prominent political activist and community leader.
