Federal policies shape women’s lives across the country—in our workplaces, schools, healthcare systems and homes, in red and blue states alike.

For example, federal workforce reductions undermine economic security and career opportunities for Black women, who have historically constituted a substantial share of the federal workforce. Restrictions on federal funding for reproductive healthcare also weaken access to contraception and cancer screenings. And of course, the unresolved status of the Equal Rights Amendment remains an unfinished chapter in the struggle for women’s equality.

These issues are not abstract. They affect whether a woman can obtain healthcare, whether a teacher has the resources to support her students, and whether an employee can challenge discrimination.

Gloria Steinem reminded women, “Voting isn’t the most we can do, but it is the least. To have a democracy, you have to want one.” Let’s also remember that women have been a majority of the electorate for the past two decades. When it comes down to tough choices, voters must demand America gets it priorities straight. After all, as Steinem asked bluntly: “Who needs a ballroom?”