OUR VOICES: If You Don’t Vote, You Dishonor Our Ancestors. Don’t Be Left Out.

By James B. Ewers Jr. Ed.D.

There is an important election that is coming up in November. By now, we know the candidates and their positions on the issues. We have watched the debates and seen the commercials. There should be no hesitation or reservation about voting.
Everywhere we go, we hear people in leadership positions urging us and encouraging us to vote. We have an opportunity to change the course of our America. Going to exercise our right to vote gives us the power. However, we must believe that we have that power.

Growing up in the South, I heard my parents and members in the community talking about the importance of voting. It was a tradition that was passed on to me. In my neighborhood, it was a big deal to vote and was celebrated.

Staying at home on voting day is not an option for us. African Americans like me have not always had the right to vote. We have been both persecuted and prosecuted for wanting to exercise a right given to every American. Our history of sacrifice and struggle is the major reason that we should vote in every election. We must vote on every issue and law that is on the ballot.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 made racial discrimination in voting unlawful. It was signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson during the Civil Rights Movement. The National Archives and Records Administration stated, “The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was the most significant statutory change in the relationship between the federal and state governments in the area of voting since the Reconstruction period following the Civil War.”

Essentially, this allowed for a new set of voters to vote. Our family members had some assurances they could vote without fear. Now from a practical point of view, it was still dangerous for Black people to go to the polls and vote. It was simply not as dangerous.

This signature piece of legislation has been amended at least five times to strengthen it. The right to vote has always been a challenge for us. Some people in America are troubled by our right to vote even today.

We are approaching November 5th which is election day. According to reports, record numbers of people have registered to vote. In my opinion, it is because of the importance of this election. Early voting is happening now. For example, over 300,000 people in Georgia have already voted. Does that favor any candidate? There are different opinions about that question.

This early voting activity has been around for a while. It is also called advance polling or pre-poll voting. The overarching goal is to encourage more people to vote. I believe it is achieving its purpose.

If you are a voting veteran like me, we must sound the clarion call to get family and friends out to cast their ballot. Apathy cannot and should not be a part of our voting equation. Too many proposed laws and regulations today need our intentional attention. Some would argue that a segment of our population has not been a part of the solution because of their attitudes thinking that their vote doesn’t count. This is negative thinking and this trend must stop. Every vote matters in every election.

While we may not be able to change all minds, we will be able to change some minds. Sharing information with them will help to eradicate their reluctance to vote and will help them to see the power of their vote.

So, let’s get ready America to participate in a time-honored exercise that will make our country stronger and will show other countries our standing in the world.

Dr. James B. Ewers, Jr. is a longtime educator who hails from Winston Salem, N.C. Ewers is a life member of the NAACP and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.