Your Vote, Your Power
By Adrienne Martinez, CRC Member, with contributions from community leaders
How many of us only pay attention or vote in presidential election years? A LOT of us, as it turns out. This hasn’t always been the case. Historically speaking, midterm elections attracted more voters than presidential elections. The value of the midterm elections grew with passage of the 15th and 19th Amendments giving African Americans and women, respectively, the right to vote, as well as the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which all put more pressure and interest on the midterm elections and politicians would appeal more to ordinary people. When did it all change, you may ask? Well, a key Supreme Court decision in Shelby County (vs Holder, 2013) actually led to a tidal wave of voter suppression efforts by states including closure of polling places, cuts to early voting, purges of voter rolls and imposition of strict voter ID laws.
Although we aren’t voting on a U.S. president, it is a very important election year and the names on the ballot this November are people who are vying for open seats that have a big influence on much of our daily lives. In the coming months, you will begin to hear from the candidates running for offices like U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, City Council, County Commissioner, and Charlotte Mecklenburg School Board, among many others. If you need help getting registered to vote and learning more about what is on the ballot this year, I have included several key resources at the end of this article.
So, why should you care about the election this year? I asked a few community leaders and residents to share the key reason they offer you to vote this year. Here are some notable reminders they shared:
- The people you give your vote to, are who you give your power to make decisions about everyday matters that impact our lives.
- The real decision makers are the politicians at the local level. Not the national elections. Local elections directly impact your city/community.
- We have to represent ourselves; we can’t continue letting other people make decisions for us. It is our moment to choose our representatives and hold them accountable.
- Your vote is not just about you. You have the ability to help speak for those in our community who do not have the right to vote.
- Representation matters more than ever. There’s currently a spotlight on the ails of our systems; perspectives that showcase the varied reality of our country exponentially increase the odds of equity.
- From school curriculum, to Charlotte development plans, to economic opportunity — your vote matters in defining both policy and the leaders that represent us.
- Exercise your civic responsibility to hold our leaders responsible for making our community and world a better place.
- To save our democracy. Period.
Key dates:
May 17th — Primary Election
October 14th — Last day to register to vote
July 26 — City Council and mayoral general elections will likely be on this date, so long as there is not a Primary run-off
November 8th — General Election Day
Additional resources:
- Video tutorial on registering to in North Carolina
- Registration Application
- Additional voter registration information, including absentee voting and voting from college
- Know before you go — who will be on your ballot?
