By L Williams
“We are witnessing right now a massive and unabashed assault on voting rights unlike anything we’ve ever seen since the Jim Crow era. As of March 24, lawmakers in 47 states have introduced more than 360 bills this year with provisions that restrict voting access, according to New York University School of Law’s Brennan Center for Justice.
Much of this legislative follows Joe Biden’s victory over Trump in the November presidential election, disproportionately targets voters of color in particular Black voters, who played a critical role in winning both the White House and the US Senate for Democrats.
Not voting in the presidential primary and general election is like abandoning our duty to protect and defend our democratic republic. It’s not just a missed opportunity—it’s an act of desertion.
Let’s be clear: avoiding the polls is both cowardice and laziness.
Feel offended? You should be. Many of us feel disillusioned or disappointed by the candidates vying for our votes, and that’s often used as an excuse to sit out the election. But are these reasons valid? Would these excuses fly in any other position of responsibility? Consider this: America is in the midst of a civil war, not with guns, but with ideas and misinformation. It’s a battle to determine whether we will be governed by democratic principles or slide into authoritarianism. Our ancestors fought with their lives for these principles, and now, it’s our turn to fight with our votes. As soldiers of democracy, our duty is to stay engaged, support in every way we can, and vote. Not voting is a dereliction of this duty.
Failing to vote, especially in these crucial times, is an act of cowardice because it shows a lack of courage to take a stand. It’s laziness because it shows a lack of effort to educate ourselves about the issues and candidates. Polls often focus on undecided voters, but we need to turn our attention to nonvoters.
Nonvoters have become comfortable being non-entities, relying on others to make decisions for them, only to complain later. There was a time when not voting was a source of shame. Now, many wear it as a badge of honor.
Casting a protest vote or writing in a non-candidate is another misguided tactic, often seen as noble, but it’s a waste of a vote.
Yes, politics can be disheartening, and many feel the system is broken. But these frustrations are no excuse for inaction.By not voting, we dishonor all those unknown heroes who marched, fought and died for our rights, the marchers of Selma’s “Bloody Sunday”, or the Black soldiers of America’s wars its not just about laying wreaths and attending parades—its about honoring sacrifices with our actions, including voting. The rights you enjoy today have come by the sacrifice of those who came before you.
Non-voting erodes the quality of our lives and communities. How will our democratic process survive if this trend continues? If fewer of us vote, what kind of democracy will we have?
Young people say politics is boring or irrelevant. Older folks hide behind cynicism. But these attitudes are dangerous.
Every election presents clear choices that impact our lives and the lives of our loved ones. Voting is a small investment with massive returns for the quality of life in our communities and the health of our democracy.
If the shoes of cowardice and laziness don’t fit, don’t wear them. But ask yourself, “If it were up to nonvoters, where would our country be?”
The morning after the election, will you be able to say you did your duty, or will you have abdicated your responsibility?
Imagine the power we would wield if we showed up to vote in record numbers. Our votes are our voices. Let’s make them heard.
Inspired by Janice Ellis Missouri Independent article Will you be AWOL in the upcoming elections?
