The Difference That One Vote Can Make

Signs for both Mitt Romney and Barack Obama litter almost every open space possible.   For the last few months, it seems like we have been bombarded by messages of whom to vote for in the presidential election. But beyond the presidency there are many other offices to vote for. Congress has quite a few of positions that need to be filled and there are several proposals on ballots across the nation.   While the presidency is important, some of the offices that need to be filled are just as important. For example, on the Detroit ballot alone there are at least two proposals that deal with school systems and two that deal with collective bargaining.   There was no reason not to get out and vote in this election. Polls generally opened around 7 a.m. and closed around 8 p.m. If you were in line when the polls closed, you were still allowed to vote. Although there were rumors that there will be voter intimation starting already, that was incorrect.  

When I reflect on yesterday, there is no way, in my mind, that a young adult-- especially a minority-- should not have voted. If you are African-American, instead of the intimidation that we face today with IDs, our ancestors were forced to answer competency tests that had no true answer. They faced police dogs and fire hoses; they were put in jail and sometimes even beaten. They went through all of that just to get a chance to vote. If they could face all of that to vote, I can happily show my ID to vote.

  If you are another minority, instead of the intimidation that you face today with proving your residency, your ancestors might not have been able to vote at all in the country of your origin. Many immigrants came to America for the opportunities that American’s have. If they could face all of that to vote, then happily prove your residency.   If you are a woman instead of the intimidation that you might face today, then women of the pass faced worse intimidation.   With all of the issues that are on the ballot there is no way in the world, you should claim your vote doesn’t count. While the election process is a difficult concept to understand and I say that the school systems don’t teach it as well as they should, it is no reason to exercise your right.   As some of my 8th grade students said today, the President isn’t in control of your day to day life. There are so many other issues and other officials that have a greater impact on your life. There is too much at stake as a young adult, a young professional, a young student to not get out and vote.   As Jill Scott posted to her Facebook page yesterday, “Rock the Vote Today…Silence is not Golden.”   Independent artist, Raymond Murry said he voted because “as a U.S. citizen, I think it’s my duty and my right. As a U.S. citizen you have a right to let your voice be heard. Adrinne Bryant of Mount Clemens, Michigan said “my field, being an artists field includes the freedom to express and freedom of speech.   Now that the election is over, for those of you whom voted, you know how important your vote was this year. The final decision was too close. Next time around, I hope that we all can realize just how important it is to vote and to make the changes that we wish to see. Understand it's not just a vote, it's the beginning of change.   Bryant, a graphic arts student, concludes by saying “every one is entitled to a voice.”     [My Current Song is "We Made It" by Baby T]