Hello,

Voting is more important now than it has ever been. In today’s political climate, in which we have a president who is seeking a third term and a legislature that stands to strip civil rights from its citizens, it is important that you make your voice heard by going out and voting. You can make a difference in your community, state, and federal elections.

Even if the results are not what you hope for, stand with your community through the loss. If you and your friends all went out together and a group of people who outnumbered you wanted to fight, you would not watch your friends fight alone simply because you thought the other group had more strength and power. You would stand with your friends and fight with them even if that meant defeat. This election is a battle for your civil rights. Do not leave your community hanging. Get out and cast your vote, especially if you are part of a marginalized community. The right to vote was not always honored for members of marginalized communities. Our ancestors had to fight for us to have these rights, so we must exercise our tight to vote so their fight for opportunity will not be in vain. There were people who sacrificed their freedom so future generations would have the opportunity to vote on November 3rd.

Sometimes you may feel like your voice does not matter, or that your vote will not change anything. Change must start somewhere, and if you utilize the power of your voice and vote, that change could start with you. Hold your local, state, and federal leaders accountable for the decisions they make because those decisions affect you. Voting is not just about choosing a president, It is also about choosing the people who will make decisions about our education, healthcare, jobs, and the future of our communities. Our communities deserve to be properly represented. Our concerns deserve to be heard. So when election day comes, remember your vote has power. Get out, stand with your community, and VOTE!

Mikai Davis