Many people were caught off guard as we witnessed rising inequities in the impact of COVID-19 on communities of color. Sadly, as a physician and public health researcher who has focused on addressing inequities in health for nearly three decades, these disparities came as no surprise to me.

Four years ago, the Russian government interfered in American elections. They stole information from campaigns, posed as Americans spreading divisive rhetoric, and attacked election infrastructure.

Black women voted at a record 68.1 percent during the 2008 presidential election, outpacing all other demographic voting groups and establishing their presence as a formidable voting bloc.

Voting can be a bit intimidating if one does not have the appropriate guidance, especially for first-time voters. My name is Monica B. Villa; I am a current intern at The Urban League of Philadelphia and a first-time voter.