09/08/2026
As we end Labor Day 2026, here are some wise words from Joyce Vance's substack:
" Labor Day is a celebration of the workers who make this country strong. It started because two union leaders in New Jersey thought it was important to spend a day recognizing the hard-working people in their communities. But today, it’s about much more, as Labor leaders and their organizations gear up for the midterm elections, with so much at stake. This year, Labor Day is about all of us—anyone, regardless of party, background, or economic status, who cares about living in a democracy. It’s for everyone who has had enough of kleptocracy and kakistocracy and Donald Trump, and believes it’s time to restore constitutional checks and balances on his abuses of power. It’s for people who believe we must begin preparing for the 2028 elections now.
"So many people have learned the lesson that Donald Trump is not on their side in the past 18 months. That for him, support is one-sided and purely transactional, and as soon as he doesn’t need you, you’re out. Government employees who lost their jobs to DOGE now know it. Trump voters whose family members have been detained by ICE and deported know it. Cattle ranchers and others whose businesses have been hurt by tariffs are learning that lesson.
"In her “State of the Unions” address for this Labor Day on September 1, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler focused on economic data and the strain on families that Trump’s policies have created. She tweeted, “The State of the Unions is clear: Working people are angry. But we’re also organized, motivated and ready to fight for something better. More workers are joining unions. Millions are ready to vote. And no billionaire can match the power we have when we act together.”
"With less than 60 days left until the midterm elections, it’s time to make all of that real. Labor Day sets the standard. Now it’s up to all of us to work to make it happen. We cannot be complacent about the outcome. We cannot give up because we feel despair.
"Make sure everyone around you, everyone who might listen to you, is registered to vote.
"Make sure the people you know have checked to make sure they’re on the active voter roll if they’re already registered, so they can fix their status now if necessary. Sometimes, people get moved to inactive status or removed and are unaware.
"Make sure your people have ID, because we don’t know what this administration might try to pull, last minute or how the Supreme Court will react.
"If your circle usually votes by mail, put in ballot requests as early as possible and have a Plan B in your toolkit in case there are problems and you need to vote in person.
"Double check your polling place—if you’re one of the voters impacted by the closure of 93 polling places in Tarrant County, Texas, you need to know where you’re supposed to vote in this election.
"Be ready to stand in long lines or face other inconveniences in order to be able to vote. Create community networks and support groups for people who may need help with childcare, elder care, or support if they lose wages at work. Some people may need transportation to the polls.
"On July 4 this year, I wrote to you about holding “Celebrate Your Vote” parties to gather friends, neighbors, and family as we vote in the midterm elections. If you haven’t already, make plans. As I wrote to you then, “Trump wants to take away our right to vote? Let’s fight back, and make it fun.”
September 7, 2026
