What is Our Responsibility in the Upcoming Election?
I must say from the very start that understanding the overall definition of the word “responsibility” is the glue that will force many of us to answer this question with a much more enhanced understanding and purpose of this upcoming election. I was somewhat saddened, as I often am, as it pertains to voting in the history in our country. The black race, other minorities, and women endured so much suffering just to vote in America. Voting is an opportunity for everyone to express their values, hopes, and dreams in this great United States of America, but because of the ideas and value systems of others, many society groups were allowed to vote while others had the same privilege snatched from them.
As citizens of the United States of America we must understand that we have a vehicle to transport our hopes and dreams in a format of voting. So that our voices can be counted in our government’s decisions, we should be ready to fight for this right that is given to us. It is our responsibility to vote! It is a golden opportunity! It is how change happens!
As women, just take a moment and let our minds reflect on what our mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers had to endure just to be allowed to vote. It was not until 1925 that women could vote. Let us not forget as we stand on their shoulders that we are honoring our commitments to them. They could not vote, but we can!
Many Black people were beaten, killed, and spit upon as they fought for the right to vote as they were denied the great opportunity of voting for change. Our ancestors fought for us and our children’s children. We must not let them down as our society today is crumbling right before our very eyes from one end of the nation to another.
For each young person turning 18 before this upcoming election of 2020, please join the rest of us as we vote. Together let us grab this opportunity with a full grip and do not allow any life hang-ups, unfilled expectations, lack of understanding of who you are or are not stop our voices.
Yes, your one vote can make a difference and create changes in our world today. One vote certainly made a difference in 1800 when Thomas Jefferson was elected President in the House of Representatives after a tie in the Electoral College, and one vote certainly made a difference in 1977 when Vermont State representative Sydney Nixon was seated as an apparent one vote winner, 570 to 569. Mr. Nixon resigned when the State House determined, after a recount that he had actually lost to his opponent Robert Emond 572 to 571. For more information, click here.
Voting is not just a responsibility, but an honor, a privilege, and an awesome duty. So do the right thing, be reliable, and vote because your voice matters.
