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You Heard Them Debate, But Will We Hear You?

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by Tommeka Semien

 

With Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump slugging it out in last night’s presidential debate, the next leader of the free world may likely be chosen by non-representation.  Millions of Americans will not vote.  Their voices will not be heard.  The will of “the people” will be cinched by the choice of the few.

The statistics are overwhelming.  Over 200 million Americans are eligible to vote.  However, during the 2012 presidential election, just over 50% of that number actually voted.  Millions chose to stay home.  Even worse, many who did not vote could not because they were not registered. Nearly four years later, in 2016, not much has changed.

Though this country’s voting history shows a timeline scattered with attempts to make it both legal and accessible to vote, millions are still not taking advantage of the opportunity and privilege.  To turn this trend around, perhaps we should use the same tactics that bolsters community involvement and nonprofit fundraising in improving numbers.  Essentially, the only way to get more eligible participants is to make a direct request.  If each active voter reached out to five people and motivated them to take action today, on November 8 we could see a marked increase in the number of voters.  Even more so, we could send a clear message to community leaders and elected officials.

Imagine what could happen if you ask your neighbor to vote or encourage a stranger to vote. Even better, encourage every person under 25 to register and vote.  Help someone whose voting privileges have lapsed to get re-registered.  Remind your eligible friends, family members and neighbors to vote.  Work within your local community to get people to the polls on foot, bicycle, bus, carpool —  whatever mode of transportation is available, help people to vote.

Designed by Victor S. McKloskey, Jr., this U.S. Postage stamp is a reminder that every eligible American should be registered to vote.  Amid national efforts to mobilize and educate non-voters, we are all responsible to spread the message that your vote is your voice.  We can each use the tools that we have available to promote the vote:

register__vote_5c_1964_issue_u-s-_stamp

  • Use the power of social media to remind others to vote
  • Email friends and family to encourage them to register and show-up on election day
  • Say It Loud…  I Vote & I’m Proud!   Let’s lead by example!

There are many resources online and from local civic organizations — all available for free.  With the exception of North Dakota, all states have voter registration deadlines — the most strict require registration a minimum of 30 days prior to the election.

As you spread the word about the importance of the upcoming election, remember that the focus is not on who others will be voting for.  Instead, the focus is on encouraging everyone who is eligible to cast their vote in person or as an absentee.  The two most important questions you can ask over the next few weeks are 1) Are you registered to vote?  and 2) Do you need help getting to the polls?

To learn more about voter registration opportunities in your area, visit these free web resources

Rock The Vote

U.S. Vote Foundation

USA.gov

To learn more about the Democratic and Republican candidates for the presidency, visit their campaign pages:  Hillary Clinton  and Donald Trump.   

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