When my son and I walked into the American Legion Hut (where we vote in my district of Dillon County) on February 29, 2020 to cast our ballets for our choice of who we wanted to represent us in the Presidential election in November, my Christian conviction forbid me from calling it pride, but I felt a sense of great joy and satisfaction with him accompanying me to cast his ballot. For I have endeavored over the years to instill in him and his sister the importance of registering and voting. So when the poll worker (who recognized me) asked for my son’s photo identification, I took the liberty of telling her that my son and I have the same name. The materials that you are reading in my column today came as a result of my son and I going to the poll together. I did not tell him who to vote for because my wife and I have reared both of our children to think for themselves and make prudent decisions about every area of life. However, I would not be truly honest if I did not tell you that though I did not dictate his decision, I gave him my opinion and strong recommendation. I want to share with you today five important reasons why every citizen should vote. This is especially true for African-Americans.
To Honor Those Who Suffered and Died to Win Us the Right to Vote
Leading the list of why African-Americans should vote is the historical fact that our right to vote was won through the suffering, sacrificing, and dying of some in the Civil Rights struggle. There was a recent gathering in Selma, Alabama to commemorate Black Sunday, a day that shall live in infamy when marchers and protestors were brutally attacked on Edmund Pettus Bridge by police and other law enforcement officers with billy clubs and tear gas. The primary objective of this march and protest was to bring national attention to the unconstitutional and racist opposition that the segregationists in Selma and throughout Alabama and the entire South had put forth to stop African Americans from voting. The right to vote was one of the main objectives of the Civil Rights Movement. For any African-American to be apathetic and refuse to register and vote is a betrayal of the suffering, sacrificing, and dying of some who gave their lives to secure us this essential constitutional right.
It is Our Civic Duty
In my opinion, the second most compelling reason why all citizens should vote (especially African-Americans) is because it is our civic duty. There is little need to have been given the constitutional right to vote through protest, activism, and legislation if we fail to follow through as citizens and neglect to cast our ballot for the candidate of our choosing. When the “Most American-American” was asked by a curious and concerned woman this question: “Dr. Franklin, what have you given us – a monarchy or a republic?” as he exited the first constitutional convention, his prudent and straightforward answer was, “A republic, if you can keep it!” That statement is still reverberating to all Americans today. Casting your ballot is a way of maintaining a republic of the people, by the people, and for the people.
At the Poll Is One of the Places Where We Have Equity
Though much have been achieved to bring African- Americans to a place of equality in America, there are regrettably segments of our culture where we still do not have the equality with Whites like income, securing business loans, managerial positions in corporate America, and quite a few other places. However, at the poll and ballot box, there is equality toward each registered voter. It is perhaps one of the few places where we can enter and know that we have equality with everyone else and that our vote will not be discriminated against, but will help to determine who is going to win an election whether locally, statewide, or nationally.
Your Vote Could Determine Who Wins
a Close Race
There have been many races on every level that have been won by the slimmest of margins. A few years ago, a countywide race in Dillon was won by a slim victory. We could have had the first African- American in the history of Dillon County, occupy a countywide position, if more Blacks would have gotten out and voted. So, do not say or believe that your vote does not count. Candidates win by one vote at a time that adds up to many votes that win elections, especially close races. Do not forget that your vote could tilt the scale and be the determining factor of the right candidate winning or losing, if you fail to vote.
Those Who Want to Hold You Down Win
When You Do Not Vote
Voter apathy and your refusal to vote is arguably one of the most effective ways that those who want to hold you down and keep you from advancing toward complete equality and experiencing the American Dream. Perhaps the most essential things that Blacks and Hispanics can do to help themselves win the battle against racial biases and stumbling blocks in their pursuit of advancement and success are stay out of foolish and frivolous debt to maintain a good credit standing.
Finally, do not let anyone merchandise (buy), minimize or make you think that your vote is not important. Think and weigh things out before you vote and vote for the candidate (not the party) who are going to represent you and your convictions and vested interests. And by all means, do not forget that your refusal to vote is an endorsement and cause of celebration to those who want to hold you down and in a state of bondage.
