“Vote? We don’t do that”

“I’m not really into politics”

“I don’t have the time to look into who’s running”

Have you ever said one of these things? If so you’re wrong.

In a day and age where white people are calling the cops on black people for simply breathing, and 45 is doing everything to erase every stride made towards a more just America, we have one way to make our voices heard; voting. People of color have to do everything to make sure our voices are heard loud and clear, and in addition to protest we have to couple our demands for justice with systematic power via numbers. Our ancestors fought and died for us to have the right to vote, not utilizing that right is blatantly disrespectful, discounts the lost lives, and keeps us stuck right where we are. Right now we’re going to debunk every reason why you’re not voting.

1. I’m Not Really Into Politics

Well then get into it!

Photo: Giphy

We are truly a generation with everything at the tips of our fingers, remember that! It takes less than 5 minutes on Google, a news clip a day, or one single tweet to find out what's going on. Spending hours a day scrolling through social media is a part of your everyday life, but most people only follow their friends or celebrities. Here’s a tip: follow a news source. This is an easy way to see direct links in real time to the important issues to need to know so that you can be educated enough to vote.

2. I'm In A Different State

As a Hampton University Student from New Jersey, trust me, I understand. But I also understand that registering in VA was the best decision I could have made in order to ensure my voice and my vote are heard. Absentee ballots are always an option but the chances of actually requesting one in enough time without error and mailing it back when you’re balling on a budget are slim to none.

Additionally, you can be registered to vote in two states. Being registered at home is great, but the chances of going home every election day are likely slim to none. Make the easier, more efficient and convenient decision and register wherever you are now.

Photo: Giphy

3.I’m Just Going To Pray About It

Prayers have been a pillar of strength for the black community that has always pulled us through a tough time. It’s so awesome that through our spirituality we have access to a level of divinity that enables us to thrive even in the face of immense adversity that most couldn't pull through.

BUT even the Bible says faith without works is dead (James 2: 14- 26). Yes, we must pray, we also must protest, and we must use our political presence!

Let’s just rebuke all foolishness and permit patty’s right now.

Photo: Giphy

4. My Vote Doesn’t Matter

Do you know that many elections were won or lost by a mere few hundreds of votes? How do you think we got our first black president? By using our political presence. Just last week Alexandria Ocasio- Cortez ousted the 10 term incumbent in the NY primary. Now she’s literally representing for the Bronx. She was able to break through that ceiling through the political presence of her supporters and the people she represented solely through her existence. And of course, we can’t forget how black women showed up and showed out in the Alabama primary last year catapulting Doug Jones to a victory. Each and every vote matters. When we band together we have a political power and presence that literally comes in like a flood. Let’s make a habit of doing it over and over again until this country reflects what justice really looks like.

5.I’m Not Registered

Wait what?

Photo: Giphy

Now that we’re over the initial shock let’s talk getting registered. Most states allow you to register online, or at the DMV. You’ll be able to find out the exact procedure for your state online. Another way to get registered is via organizations like NextGen America, Planned Parenthood, Generation Action, and a ton more state-specific organizations that work to bring voter registration to wherever people are on the streets. This is also a great way to get registered because most of the work is done for you and you can do it wherever you are within minutes!

The 18-35 voter block is the largest in numbers right now, but as far as that demographic's turnout at the polls you wouldn’t know that. 18-35-year-olds are the most likely to be passionate and opinionated about current events but are the least likely to be registered, knowledgeable, and actively voting. This year and for years to come we are changing that.

As people of color, we have to dedicate ourselves to this cause for a better tomorrow. Just as much as you will take time to look into new music, or looking at clothes, studying, or even napping it takes only a small fraction of that time to get educated, motivated, and dedicated to your vote and amplifying your voice. Even President Obama has recently made a call to action for the involvement and presence of young voters.

Photo: Twitter

The connection between political presence, electoral politics, and change is real. Learn, use your vote, and aid in making these severely needed changes via your vote. Your political presence is a present to yourself and generations to come. Let’s make a hell of a change, together.

lewisalexia

Writing since July 2018 · 1 story contributed