OUR FOUNDER

I’m Barbara Joy (BJ) Tillman and in 2019 I discovered my passion to amplify the voices of young people — through voting.  I stumbled upon it while interning for a United States Senate campaign, where I had the assignment of studying various voting demographics as they impact elections.  What I discovered in my research was pivotal — that young voters account for a huge voting demographic, but their numbers in actual voting did not always mirror their power.  Even as a 16 year old high school student, I realized the potential of young people just like myself to be a loud voice in our political process and it propelled me to begin a grassroots effort to establish Your Voice, Your Vote.  I have trained a group of young volunteers who have joined me in registering and educating young people in schools and various community events.  I was so encouraged to see that teens and young people were excited and eager to embrace the power they held as voters!  Their excitement fueled my excitement to go bigger and harder.  With a non-partisan focus, we work to ensure that everyone — regardless of age, race, ethnicity and socioeconomic status — has the resources and knowledge to make their voices heard in our political process.  Our success with reaching and registering young voters was beyond my wildest dreams.  During the 2020 elections and beyond, Your Voice, Your Vote became a featured part of voter education and registration events throughout the Southeast.  

I always desired to be someone who could have an impact for good on other people.  Whether through my elected leadership positions, my art, or just raising my voice, I understand that I must use my talents to serve.  The success of Your Voice, Your Vote has taught me that one person, determined to make a difference, can do exactly that.  I hope you will consider joining our mission in pursuit of every young person exercising their voice through their vote.