Lalo Alcaraz
The Latino community just might be THE most pivotal voting bloc in America. That’s why it’s almost comical to hear the doomsdayers and naysayers and pundits and politicians and media trying to discourage Latinos from getting to the polls on election day.
“What’s the point? Your vote won’t count!”
It doesn’t take long to vote. Whether or not you have to wait in a line or drive to mail your ballot at a post office or deposit it in a drop box, when you realize that there are only elections every two years, it’s a small price for democracy. Billions of people and dozens of countries are ruled by iron-fisted dictators and have zero say in how their lives are ruled. It is a blessing and an honor to be able to cast a vote. Do it!
Gerd Altmann /
Pixabay
Having accurate information will enable you to make good decisions. Just clicking on the first thing your google search pops up may be insufficient or, worse, not true. Make it fun! Get together with some friends over dinner or drinks and discuss the issues and the candidates. Again, elections come around every twenty-four months and are over in twenty-four hours. Be a participant.
There is an abundance of unbiased, non-partisan sources at your fingertips. If you are uncertain about whether a candidate really did this or that specific thing, Snopes.com is an excellent fact-checking site to see what really happened.
Our ancestors fought over and over and over again for the right to vote. By not participating in the election process you are doing them — as well as your neighbors and community — a disservice. Taking the rights and freedoms we have for granted could very well mean your children or children’s children will grow up without these freedoms. Keep democracy going. Democracy needs you!
Pixabay / memyselfaneye
The only thing that’s “rigged” is the election deniers parroting the talking points of election losers. Our electoral systems are safe. Our elections are fair. Our elections are the envy of the world.
If you don’t vote then you have no skin in the game and no right to complain about anything. You did not contribute to the future plans of this country. Turning your back on the election means you lose your right to complain. Remember, your voice is your vote and your vote is your voice.
After you vote, besides knowing that you’re helping to advance democracy, you get to wear that “I voted” sticker on your chest. Or your forehead. You get to decide.
Now get out there and vote!
Democracy needs you!
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