Vote Like Your Future Depends on It …
Because It Does!
By Sasha Bush
The Ashland Beacon
Today, every American citizen over the age of 18 has the right to vote in both the federal and state elections – but this was not always the case! The story of voting rights in the United States is a thrilling journey of struggle, progress, and triumph.
When the Constitution was first drafted, it didn’t spell out who could vote. Instead, it laid the groundwork for how elections would work. Article 1 established that Senators and House Representatives would be elected directly by the people, while the President would be chosen through the Electoral College – an innovative compromise that balanced popular will with state representation.
For many years, the question of who could vote was left to the states, resulting in a landscape where only landowning white men were typically eligible. Women, Black people, and other marginalized groups faced outright exclusion; a practice known as disenfranchisement. Thankfully the powers that be came to their senses and realized that every person should have the right to vote regardless of sex, color, or ethnicity.
Though no longer overtly banned from the polls, voter suppression remains a significant issue today. Some politicians seek to maintain power by making it harder for certain communities – especially in African American and Latinx neighborhoods – to vote. Tactics like reducing polling locations or limiting voting hours disproportionately impact those who are already disenfranchised.
It wasn't until the 15th Amendment in 1870 that Black men gained the legal right to vote. Yet, even with this amendment, they still faced numerous obstacles – like poll taxes and literacy tests – designed to keep them from the ballot box. It wasn’t until the 24th Amendment in 1964 abolished the poll tax and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 dismantled Jim Crow laws that voting became more accessible. Women finally won the right to vote in 1920, thanks to decades of tireless effort from the suffragette movement.
By the mid-1960s, with these amendments in place, all citizens over the age of 21 theoretically had the right to vote. The voting age was lowered to 18 in 1971, affirming the belief that if you could fight for your country, you should also have a say in its leadership.
Think your vote doesn’t count? Think again! History shows that every vote can make a monumental difference. In the dramatic 2000 election, Al Gore lost the presidency to George W. Bush by just 537 votes in Florida after a contentious recount, illustrating the razor-thin margins that can determine the highest office in the land.
More recently, in 2016, Donald Trump secured a narrow victory through the Electoral College despite losing the national popular vote by nearly three million. His success was fueled by strategic concentrations of support in pivotal swing states like Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.
Your vote might not directly decide the presidency, but it carries immense weight in local and state elections, which often have lower voter turnouts and can be swayed by just a handful of votes. In fact, a Portland State University study revealed that fewer than 15% of eligible voters participated in local elections, making every single vote incredibly impactful. Just imagine what that 15% could do for our election process!
If you have not yet reached the age of 18 you can still play a vital role in the election process! Here’s how:
Stay Informed: Dive into local and national issues to understand where you stand.
Engage Others: Share your opinions on social media, in your school newspaper, or at community events. Your voice matters!
Volunteer: Support the candidates you believe in by working on their campaigns – whether that’s phone banking, canvassing, or helping at events.
In the grand tapestry of democracy, every thread matters, and your vote is a crucial stitch in the fabric of our nation. Each election presents us with a chance to shape the future and play a part in making history. History shows us that even a handful of votes can tip the scales of power. When you cast your ballot, you’re not just voicing your opinion – you’re joining a chorus of citizens demanding change, accountability, and representation. So, step up, make your voice heard, and remember in the election process, your vote isn’t just important; it’s essential! Every vote counts, and together, we can create a brighter tomorrow. Vote like your future depends on it … because it does!
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