“I wasn’t a loser,” Misha McLamb told the Associated Press earlier this year. Far from being a loser, the Navy aircraft specialist and mother of one served her country overseas before returning to the US and finding herself homeless.

Election Day is almost here! Whether you’re preparing to celebrate or ready to cry from campaign exhaustion, I hope you’re going to take the opportunity to vote on November 6^th. I’m always shocked and a little disappointed when a woman tells me that she’s not planning on voting. And then I break out my top five reasons for why she should:

The thoughts and prayers of Washington Area Women’s Foundation are with those affected by Hurricane Sandy. If you, or someone you know, needs assistance, please refer to the resources below. Although the storm has passed, many remain affected by the aftermath. We will be updating this list in the coming hours and days. If you have a resource to add, please e-mail communications@wawf.org.

I know a lot has already been written about what was said by both candidates at this week’s presidential debate, but I have to say, I’m more struck by what wasn’t said.  Has it become taboo for candidates to discuss poverty in America? Do both candidates really believe that beefing up educational opportunity is the panacea for addressing the plight of the one in six Americans living in poverty?  No discussion of safety nets. No discussion of the children who face food insecurity every day. No discussion of the increasing number of homeless families in America. No discussion of raising the minimum wage. Almost no discussion of quality child care options for low-income women.