In October 2024, a coalition came together under one powerful idea: every voice matters, especially when women cast their votes. Hosted at the Vital Voices Global Partnership headquarters in Washington, D.C., the “Your Voice is Your Vote” panel sparked a movement around civic engagement. ELLE, Argent, When We All Vote, and Vital Voices collaborated to underscore the impact of women at the ballot box—at a moment when over half the world’s population faced pivotal elections.
Guests arrived wearing Argent’s signature pink suits, part of the #VotingSuitsYou campaign. This bold fashion statement symbolized more than style—it became a beacon of participation and empowerment. Argent, in partnership with When We All Vote, introduced a gender-neutral version of the suit, with proceeds going toward voter engagement. Pop-up shops in Washington and New York provided voting toolkits, transforming fashion into a form of civic action.
Moderated by ELLE’s executive editor Sara Austin, the evening brought together MSNBC’s Symone Sanders‑Townsend, activist Brittany Packnett Cunningham, and Houston-based organizer Olivia Julianna. Each brought urgency and insight to the stage, speaking candidly about why so many Americans feel politically disengaged. Sanders‑Townsend reflected on her conversations with Black millennials, many of whom expressed doubt about the effectiveness of their votes. She stressed that democracy is not guaranteed—it depends on action. “Power comes from participation,” she said.
Packnett Cunningham built on that message, directly addressing skepticism about voting’s value. She pointed out that the very existence of voter suppression and disinformation campaigns proves how influential voting truly is. If votes didn’t matter, no one would try so hard to silence them. Her call was clear: democracy demands effort. Change requires showing up and demanding more, even when the system feels flawed.
Olivia Julianna brought the voice of a younger generation—energized, online, and ready to act. With a following of over one million across social media, she’s used her platform to help peers understand the importance of their vote. In a state like Texas, where voting laws can feel complicated and restrictive, she’s become a direct line of information and encouragement. She emphasized that a single conversation can turn uncertainty into motivation, especially among first-time voters.
Despite acknowledging the challenges—ranging from institutional distrust to complicated regulations—the panel left the crowd inspired, not defeated. Julianna shared her excitement about voting for both president and senator for the first time. Her enthusiasm was contagious, offering hope for the future. Cunningham spoke about her great-grandmother, who was born enslaved and raised 24 children to adulthood. Her story was one of resilience and joy, even in the face of unimaginable struggle. That legacy, Cunningham said, is what motivates her to keep advocating for justice.
Sanders‑Townsend concluded the discussion with a powerful visual: families lining up at polling places, voters braving natural disasters to make their voices heard, and communities refusing to be silent. She reminded the audience that democracy is fragile, but it’s built and sustained by people who care. “I truly do believe the people have the power,” she said, urging everyone to recognize the value of each ballot.
What emerged from this event wasn’t just a panel—it was a cultural shift. Through tailored suits, pop-up shops, and online momentum, the coalition redefined what civic participation can look like. The #VotingSuitsYou campaign showed that fashion and political engagement aren’t mutually exclusive—they can work hand in hand to create real change.
As early voting began across the country, the message resonated far beyond the room in D.C. The campaign modeled a new kind of political outreach: stylish, strategic, and grounded in community. It showed that partnerships across industries—from media and fashion to advocacy—can drive voter turnout in creative, meaningful ways. More importantly, it reminded people that democracy thrives when they step in, speak out, and show up together.
