The Collective Power of Unity
As election season approaches, Black communities of Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois stand at a pivotal moment.
With the power to shape the future lying in the hands of voters, it is crucial to ensure that voices are heard at the polls.
This election is not just about choosing leaders; it’s about advocating for rights, families, and communities.
Black communities have historically faced numerous challenges but have always shown resilience through unity.
When united, collective strength becomes a force for change.
Voting is a fundamental way to exercise this power. Each vote is a statement, a demand for better representation, and a step toward achieving policies and changes that benefit all.
The Black church has historically been a pillar of strength and unity, in the communities serving as a place of worship, a center for social justice, and a beacon of hope.
In this election, pastors and the churche can once again play a pivotal role by taking a leadership position in mobilizing the community to vote.
Pastoral leadership is needed now more than ever. By speaking from the pulpit about the importance of voting, they can empower their congregation and the broader community.
Individuals, civic and social organizations along with churches, can contribute significantly and play pivotal roles in mobilizing the community to vote. Their combined efforts can make a substantial difference in voter turnout and engagement.
Organize voter registration drives, host informational sessions, educate voters on the candidates and issues, invite candidates to speak about their platforms, and most importantly, coordinate transportation to ensure everyone can get to the polls.
Collaborate with communities that need help getting people to the polls.
Use your influence to ensure that every eligible voter can cast a ballot.
Voters are encouraged to support candidates who prioritize issues such as economic development, voting rights, education, healthcare, and criminal justice reform. Candidates who genuinely understand and advocate for the needs of the community is crucial. Evaluating candidates based on their platforms and past actions can help ensure that chosen representatives will work towards uplifting communities and addressing systemic issues. It is also important to be aware of the dangers posed by candidates who proclaim to support or stand with individuals whose values and positions do not align with the efforts of full equality. The rhetoric and policies of some have consistently undermined the rights and well-being of Black communities.
Former President Trump and his administration’s actions included attempts to suppress votes in predominantly Black areas, rollbacks on civil rights protections, and divisive rhetoric that fueled racial tensions.
Giving support to candidates aligned with Trump means endorsing these harmful policies and allowing the continuation of actions that disproportionately affect our community. (project 2025).
Educate yourself and cast votes for candidates who will represent all and who will also fight for the interests of the Black community, not those who align with an agenda that threatens our rights and dignity.
Steps to Get Involved
Raise Awareness: Use your platforms to emphasize the importance of voting. Share messages during gatherings, meetings, and through various communication channels. Host Voter Registration Drives: Organize events to help community members register to vote and check their registration status.
Inform the Community: Host informational sessions and invite candidates to speak about their platforms.
Provide Transportation: Arrange carpooling or community transport services to ensure everyone can get to the polls
Encourage Early Voting: Promote early voting and absentee ballots to make voting more accessible.
Voting is a powerful tool for influencing policies and decisions that affect daily lives. It holds leaders accountable and pushes for progress in communities. This election is an opportunity to make a lasting impact, and it is essential to seize it with determination and unity.
As the community prepares for the upcoming election, the importance of unity and voting cannot be overstated.
Churches, individuals, civic and social organizations and you, all have a vital role in this effort.
By working together to mobilize voters and support candidates who advocate for community needs, it is possible to ensure that voices are heard, and communities are represented.
Coming together, casting votes, and making a difference can shape a brighter future for the Black communities of Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois.
The future depends on active participation and presenting a united front in the electoral process.
Get registered if you haven’t already and Vote like your future depends on it…because it does!
Early Voting in Illinois Election
Registered voters may cast a ballot prior to Election Day without having to provide a reason for wanting to vote early. This ballot is cast by personal appearance at the office of the election authority or at an early voting center. Voting by mail is an option for voters to cast their ballot prior to Election Day. Voters can request a vote by mail ballot through the mail or in person.
First day of early voting: Thursday, Sept. 26
Last day to register by mail: Tuesday, Oct. 8 (postmarked)
Last day to register online: Sunday, Oct. 20
Deadline to request mail ballot via mail: Thursday, Oct. 31 (received)
Last day of early voting: Monday, Nov. 4
General election: Tuesday, Nov. 5
Early Voting in Missouri Election
Absentee voting: All voters can cast an No-excuse absentee ballot two weeks before Election Day during early voting. However, during other times, only voters who meet certain criteria can cast an absentee ballot.
Early voting: Cast an absentee ballot in person from Tuesday, Oct. 22, through Monday, Nov. 4.
Last day to register to vote: Wednesday, Oct. 9
Last day for absentee ballot applications to be received by mail: Wednesday, Oct. 23, by 5 p.m.
Deadline to request an absentee ballot in person: Monday, Nov. 4, by 5 p.m.
Deadline to return an absentee ballot: Tuesday, Nov. 5, by 7 p.m.
General election: Tuesday, Nov. 5
