Alivia Welch
Staff Writer
Each primary voting year, specifically November, is a time when eligible voters take the time to exercise their right to vote.
In my opinion, it is one of the few ways you can feel powerful and voice your opinion without actually speaking.
Many people of color in the South, particularly African-Americans, were not able to vote despite the 15th Amendment which in brief states, “Citizens shall not be denied or abridged the right to vote based on their race, color or previous condition of servitude in the U.S.”, until the 1965 Voting Rights Act was implemented to give African-American voting rights.
You might ask, why is this important information to know now? Well, this was only about 60 years ago and we all know someone in their sixties, whether it be our parents, grandparents, family members or others.
As a young adult, we often feel our vote does not matter or make a difference, but in the year of 2016, millennials (ages 20-35), made up 27 percent of all eligible voters.
I know you’re probably thinking that 27 percent is not a lot, but this number was very close to the same amount of Baby Boomers (ages 52-70), who lead the electoral votes consecutively.
Besides the facts listed above, we (Millennials) and Post Millennials (ages 18-19), are among the most impacted by the leaders in office.
I’m sure you remember in 2020 after the death of George Floyd and the embankment of the deadly COVID-19 virus, how our country was in turmoil and politicians were recklessly running our country.
This alone should be enough to convince you to vote, however that may easily be the most biased thing I have written as a journalist.
The fact remains that blacks have been seen as the bottom feeders of this country for hundreds of thousands of years. Which is a disgrace since we were of the majority who built it.
Another biased statement, I know.
So here’s what I need for each eligible unregistered voter to do.
First, register to vote via https://www.usvotefoundation.org/.
Next, get to know your running politicians in the state you have registered to vote in. Match that with your passions and what type of changes you want to see implemented.
Lastly, encourage your peers around you to vote. It is the only way to see effective change.
Our voice can no longer be silenced. Your VOTE MATTERS!
