DALLAS — Rosie Davis’ mom passed after catching COVID-19 in a Dallas County nursing home. Now, she fights to bring awareness to the lack of personal protection equipment in nursing homes. Last week, she used her vote as her weapon.  

Davis was never a frequent voter, but after her mom’s passing she decided the 2020 election was a perfect time for her voice to be heard.

“You know… this year is just different,” Davis said. “You know, because my purpose is just so much deeper.”

Her mom passed away on May 17th of this year.

Rosie Davis and her mother (photo credit: Rosie Davis)
Rosie Davis and her mother (photo credit: Rosie Davis)

“Originally I wasn’t going to vote,” Davis said. "I’m just not a voter. I usually listen to both sides and this year was different."

But Davis says for change to happen she has to exercise her right.

"We just have a president that’s not taking action and we need change. We need it now,” Davis said. "We’ve needed it from the very beginning when the pandemic hit us.”

Rosie Davis waits in line to vote (photo credit: Rosie Davis)
Rosie Davis waits in line to vote (photo credit: Rosie Davis)

According to the CDC, Texas leads in the number of COVID deaths with over 500 the week before Election Day. One of those deaths was another close family friend of Rosie. After two deaths, Davis said enough.

“We need national response. We need to get this virus under control,” Davis said. “We’re suffering, we’re grieving.”

As she reflects on her vote, she’s optimistic and thankful to be honoring her mom in this way.