With a presidential election just days away, we cannot overlook the freedom to vote. However, this freedom was a long time coming for blacks and women. The 15th Amendment gave black men the right to vote, but many states in the South found a loophole around it. Poll taxes and literacy tests often kept black men from voting in the elections. The poverty level was high among the newly freed slaves, and these men had little or no educational background. Although the right to vote was given to them in 1870, it was almost a century before a majority of blacks in the South were registered to vote. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 stopped literacy tests and poll taxes, and blacks were encouraged to vote. Within months, a quarter of a million had registered to vote for the first time.(1) Lyndon B. Johnson said, “Every American citizen must have an equal right to vote. There is no reason which can excuse the denial of that right. There is no duty which weighs more heavily on us than the duty we have to ensure that right.”(2)
Women had to fight for voting rights, too. Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton crusaded for women’s right to vote. To help spread the word, they organized the National Woman Suffrage Association in 1869.(3) They dedicated most of their lives for something that they would never see happen. Both women died before the 19th Amendment was passed in 1920. It states, “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.”(4)
It has taken decades for women and blacks to gain the political power that white men have enjoyed for centuries. This presidential election is particularly interesting. We have a black man running for president and a woman running for vice-president. Whatever happens, history will be made this year.
Since the chance to vote is right around the corner, I could not help asking the women I work with if they actually exercise their right to vote. I was surprised to find that the older women all said that they did, but out of the women in their twenties and thirties only about half of them vote. Some are not even registered. I find this so sad. We have the chance to have a voice in politics. This is an opportunity so many worked and fought to give us. We should take advantage of this right.
(1) http://www.loc.gov/rr/program/bib/ourdocs/15thamendment.html
(2) http://www.hpol.org/lbj/voting/
(3) http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761553231/susan_b_anthony.html
(4) http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/1920womensvote.html
2 comments:
Today is the last day that people can register to vote before the election. The voter registration office here in San Diego is going to stay open until midnight. I hope everyone that can registers to vote. I’ve asked all of my seniors that will be 18 in time if they have registered. Those that can, have registered. We even did a piece on our broadcast to remind them to register.
I believe I’ve voted in every presidential elections since I was 18. I even voted absentee when I went to college I can admit to not always voting in smaller elections! But, I can’t understand why someone wouldn’t take the time to vote in a presidential election. There was a quote on the news this morning from someone at the voter’s registration office, “if you don’t go out to vote, you can’t complain about the government.” It’s not enough to have the ability to vote, we need to use our vote.
Good Post, Pam.
Pam,it is truly remarkable to find people who cannot appreciate a right so dear. I cannot believe that anyone would enjoy being hassled or muzzled. As far as voting goes, I agree with you wholeheartedly. Those who fail to vote, rob themselves of a chance to voice their opinion.
It is true that one vote cannot elect a president. It is also true that a candidate may not ascend to the presidency if they fall short by a vote.
This case of some privileged people, failing to exercise their right to vote, is probably born of complacency. In their opinion, there are no foreseeable dire consequences, and there is no urgency whatsoever. They may not fully appreciate the gift they have, simply because they want for nothing. They may feel that they are properly represented. In addition, they may believe that change is not welcome. Whatever their opinions may be, they fail to cast the die that would eventually shape their future. The one thing that they probably don’t notice is the fact that others get to play a hand that in turn affects the entire community. In times like this, I would not put my life in the hands of strangers, especially those who have vested interests. I would not vote by proxy, I would vote in person. You inspire me to think of my predecessors every time I am tempted to take freedom for granted.
Jackline.
Post a Comment