In many states, early voting is now in full effect. With that in mind, let’s talk about voting and the Black community. From our ancestors being enslaved and denied citizenship, which also meant being denied the right to vote, to gaining access but still facing systemic obstacles that make voting challenging—exercising this civic duty is filled with nuance and context.
With this backdrop, there is a deep tension that exists. Because of the historical implications, many people feel a sense of responsibility towards voting. The advocacy to have access means that Black people respect the work, effort, and tenacity of those who risked life and limb to ensure all people have the right to vote. Then there is the actual duty of voting, where many people are more pessimistic about the process due to broken promises from elected officials and the ongoing barriers that make voting a challenge.
Despite the tensions, the Black community is a force to be reckoned with. A significant percentage of us understand that our voices matter and our votes count. The power to make a difference is growing stronger each year. Pew Research data predicts that eligible Black voters will reach 34.4 million in November 2024, a testament to our increasing influence.
With this much voting collateral, how can the Black community maximize their voices and perspectives to make the United States more inclusive of our needs? Here are five ways you can make your vote count.
Register To Vote
Every state has its own unique deadlines and requirements for registering to vote. Being aware of your state’s specific rules is crucial to ensure you’re not left behind. This is especially important for first-time voters, such as those who have recently turned 18.
Younger generations are becoming increasingly vocal about the type of world they desire to live in; they must have access to tools to ensure their voices are heard. This becomes even more nuanced for those in that age range who are attending college and may not be residents of the state they currently live in. Then the decisions come: Do I register to vote here or cast an absentee ballot?
Whatever the context, be confident in your registration status and do your due diligence in ensuring every “t” is crossed and every “i” is dotted to avoid any red tape or tactics that could prevent you from casting your vote.
Another thing to consider when registering to vote is double and triple-checking your polling location. These locations can sometimes change, so check your county or state’s website to ensure the area you have in mind matches the address on file.
Check Your Voter ID Requirements
Most states will accept a state-issued ID or passport as an acceptable form of identification.
Other forms of identification that may be accepted could include:
Student ID from a public state college or university
Valid employee photo ID from any branch, department, agency, or entity of the U.S. Government
Valid U.S. military photo ID containing a photograph of the voter
Valid tribal photo ID containing a photograph of the voter
If a voter does not have any of these forms of ID, states like Georgia offer free voter ID cards that can be issued at the county’s registrar’s office.
Early Voting and Absentee Voting are Vibes
Don’t want to wait in a long line to vote? Early voting is a great option. Early voting usually means you can vote at any polling location your county has open, and typically, the wait times are significantly shorter. The day of voting can be anxiety-inducing, so prioritizing self-care through time management can help you avoid all the pomp and circumstance that come with voting on official election day.
If you are not officially registered in your state or have circumstances that could prevent you from getting to your polling location, an absentee ballot is an option for you. Despite what anyone says, absentee ballots are valid.
Go Old School and Bring Paper and Pens
Many of us are technology-dependent, and rightfully so. Modern-day cell phones are minicomputers in the palm of your hands. The amount of access and information is clutch for several things, but it can become a tool that works against you at a polling site.
In most cases, the use of cell phones is prohibited while voting. If you created a list of candidates and policies stored on your notes app or cloud, write them out or print them. Do not get kicked out of the polling place because you are presumed to be using your phone when you are only checking your notes.
Doing your research is very demure and very mindful, but don’t let your digital research results trip you up.
Just Do It – No Nike
Kendrick Lamar said, “The truth of the matter God planned to show y’all the liar.”
Voting exposes the lies of injustice, gives individuals the power to hold people accountable, and can change the trajectory of the world. Sometimes, the options are slim, but the power never shifts.
