Give a Vote to Get a Vote

The ability to vote is a Constitutional Right that many fought for, marched for, and died for throughout history. Yesterday, Vincent Orange was elected to the DC Council as the newest At Large Member. This position was most recently held by now Chairman Kwame Brown. What I find interesting about this election is the number of DC residents who voted, which an unofficial turnout reported 43,208 of 455,842 voters equaling to 9.48% of registered voters.  This lack of voter turnout is disheartening.

Earlier in the day yesterday I asked some of my adult learners if they had voted or were planning on voting. Most of the class was completely unaware of the special election and those who were aware had no interest in voting. This is ironic because this was my GED Social Studies class and we have been learning and discussing civil rights, fighting for freedoms, and public policy. I understand that this was not a presidential or mayoral election, but still is it not our civic duty and responsibility to participate in elections? I prodded my class further and asked if they planned on voting in the 2012 Presidential election and once again many said “no” and that their vote would not make any difference.  After reviewing the number of DC residents that turned out to vote yesterday I realized that it was not just my learners who stayed clear of the polls.

Voting in local elections is an important way to voice our opinions regarding elected officials and overall policies. Public policy is the effect of public outcry. If we want change we have to make that change. Ensuring your voice is heard includes voting, communicating with elected officials and staying current on policies and procedures. Voting is how we decide our future by electing individuals who reflect our ideologies. Seeing Vincent Orange win the election with only 28.27% of the vote illustrates the overall lack of community support and interest. Every day I am informed of budget hearings, testimonies, rallies, and ways to have our voices and issues acknowledged by the D.C. Council. It is my belief that if organizations and community members want to effectively have their issues well represented and especially funded we need to get community members who are eligible to vote, registered, informed on candidates, and to the polls. Elected officials recognize the individuals and organizations that have the greatest impact on their campaigns. As a community in need of funded services and programs we need to be that impact. It our civic duty to vote and it is the responsibility of the elected official to represent the votes of their community.

Abraham Lincoln, in his Gettysburg Address called democracy “government of the people, by the people and for the people.” The government was established to serve the people and to ensure that our community’s needs are met, we need to do our part and vote responsibly; electing individuals who are willing to serve, listen, and value the community.

--Krystal

(to review  all unofficial voting results check out the DCBOEE site.)