Greg Gaffney-Bills, a sophomore double-majoring in economics and political science, is the policy and legislative affairs director for GW Students for Sensible Drug Policy.

Election Day is just five days away. Local and state campaigns across the country are in the final push to get out their messages. Here in D.C., one ballot measure capturing much of the attention is Initiative 71, which would legalize marijuana in the city.

Unfortunately, some voters are apathetic toward, or at least feeling less than passionate about, the measure because it doesn’t follow the example set by Colorado or Washington. They rightly point out that the initiative does not allow for dispensaries or the sale of marijuana, and that Congress maintains the authority to reject any bill the city passes.

What they fail to understand is the drug reform movement isn’t about taxes, regulation or the number of dispensaries. It is about changing the nation’s concerning narrative about drug users, and ensuring every American has access to high-quality public health services.

For far too long, the U.S. has fought an unwinnable war on drugs – marginalizing, disenfranchising and incarcerating a staggering number of citizens. While nothing can reverse these decades of pain and loss, Initiative 71 is a step in the right direction. After all, as Americans, we have always strived to better our local communities, our nation, our world and ourselves.

As D.C. voters, we have the opportunity this November to affect change on all levels. With the eyes of the world upon us, we can stand up and reject the notion that blacks and whites are unequal, that police resources are better spent pursuing non-violent drug users than murderers and rapists, and that prohibition works.

Vote yes on 71.