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Ep. 74 - As we gear up for another contentious election cycle, it's prudent to ask: why do we keep voting against our own best interests? Angela Chavez, Communications and Public Affairs Director for Courage California and a childfree Latina, explains it very plainly: because you're being manipulated by immensely well-funded propaganda, all day and every day.

The 2020 Proposition 22 campaign is a prime example of this!

So how do we find out the truth behind the constant disinformation crusades that play on our emotions about crime and homelessness, swaying us to vote against the greater good? Angela educates us about the tools that Courage California provides for CA citizens to make those informed choices (these tools exist in all states too!), like the Courage Score legislators receive on their voting records.

Angela also challenges conventional narratives about political success—emphasizing that elections are less about "winning" and more about "moving the needle" toward meaningful progress. And how much of that work is done down ballot, not at the federal level.

Finally, Angela shares actionable steps for young voters (and all of us) to take so we can overcome election apathy to create real change.

Voting for change is a group project, and the very least all of us can do on November 5th is show up to vote. Groups like Courage California have already done all the homework for us. So if we all want to get an A+, get out the vote and encourage everyone around you to send in their ballots, too.

The childless cat ladies are watching!🧙‍♀️🐈‍⬛

To get the full show notes, tools mentioned guest bio, and an episode transcript, go to PauletteErato.com/shownotes. This is episode 74.

About Angela:
I'm the Director of Communications and Public Affairs at Courage California, the Founding Director of Chicas Latinas de Sacramento from 2009 to 2024. I oversee the strategic communications for Courage California’s 501(c)(4), 501(c)(3), and PACs, on progressive statewide and regional legislation, electoral, and issue-based campaigns. I have my BA in Journalism and was a reporter in the central valley for a bit.

Find her full bio and all the tools mentioned at https://pauletteerato.com/74-why-are-we-voting-against-our-best-interests-angela-chavez-on-manipulation-and-political-power/

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