Voting is a right, not a privilege.
Rights are inherent. Privileges are either earned or inherited.
Driving is a privilege that requires special skills and knowledge. That privilege can be taken away if certain requirements are not met. With voting, there are no courses to take, no tests to pass, no fees to pay, no hurdles other than the ones we have placed before ourselves.
So, unless you have been legally barred from casting your ballot, don’t be deterred or “scurred.” You have nothing to prove. Exercise your right to vote with confidence and assuredness.
Too cold? Too hot? Wear layers so you can adjust to the changing temperatures. Don’t worry if your jacket doesn’t match your shoes – you are on a serious mission.
If you have little ones in tow, give them “the talk” and take them with you. This will be a memorable experience for them that they can reflect on when they reach voting age.
No ride? Check with your local branch of the NAACP or other civic organizations in your community for a ride to a polls. This is a courtesy offered by groups around the country. If you can’t find anyone locally, check out https://rideshare2vote.com/ for other leads.
Long voting lines? Make sure your smartphone is charged so you can surf the net. Use the wait time to get caught on Sojourners Digest posts or advance to the next level in that video game that has you stumped. If your feet go to sleep, try a little two-step action in place to keep the blood flowing.
Rude poll workers? Before you return the negativity, take a deep breath as you pity the fool. Cast your vote with a smile. If their rudeness hinges on voter intimidation or voter suppression, check out https://866ourvote.org/ for tips on who you need to contact to help protect your vote and the votes of those coming behind you.
Some of you may undergo exit polling upon leaving the voting precinct. There is nothing wrong with that, but make sure you encourage the folks who are waiting at home that they shouldn’t rely on the predictions. They still need to come cast their vote before the polls close. Exit polls are interesting, but they are not reliable. Every vote counts.
So in the name of Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Fannie Lou Hamer, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., John Lewis and countless others, don’t let Election Day pass you by. Let your voice be heard through your vote.
Vote. And don’t forget your mask!
-Sojourner Justice
superb post