Why Should I Vote?

Voting in America has had a long and troubling history, which is why it is important that all citizens understand the pain and suffering that their predecessors endured to enable today’s citizens the liberty that they possess. If we can remember the struggle of those that went before us, hopefully we instill pride and purpose in participating in the many civic activities within this nation.

Even though America was founded as a republic, the national government initially left the decision up to the states as to who was allowed to vote in an election. Many states made land ownership a requirement for voting, but by 1856, the last state finally removed that requirement for free, white male citizens. Of course, that meant that women, free and enslaved blacks, and non-white immigrants could not vote. These groups’ fight for suffrage would be one that would take almost 200 years before it was realized.

In the 1840’s many women’s suffrage groups existed, and some groups began joining with abolitionists in the fight to create a more inclusive and representative nation. After the Civil War and the 13th Amendment rid this nation of the practice of slavery, it wasn’t until three years later that former slaves were granted citizenship. Regrettably, the decision to allow a black citizen to vote was still left in the hands of the states, which often chose to disenfranchise black citizens. The 15th Amendment prohibited using race as a barrier to voting, but states found other means such as poll taxes and literacy tests to prevent non-white male citizens from voting. Through all this time, women and other non-white (mainly Asian, Hispanic, and Native American) residents within the United States were not even considered citizens, and were barred from voting as well.

Through the 1870’s and 1880’s Women’s Suffrage movement began to pick up steam and influence, thanks to the tireless effort of many women such as Susan B. Anthony, Ida B. Wells, Lucy Stone, and many others. These efforts slowly gained traction, when Wyoming in 1890 provided women the right to vote within its state’s constitution. Although one state did allow women to vote, others would slowly follow suit. It took until 1920 with Tennessee’s ratification of the 19th Amendment for women (white only) to receive the right to vote. By this time, Native American’s and Asians gained citizenship, but the right to vote was still limited by the individual states.

While legally considered citizens, many blacks were prevented from voting due to individual state regulations, leading to the Civil Rights movement of the 1960’s. In 1965, the Voting Rights Act effectively ended the state’s ability to prevent minorities from voting. Because of the tireless work of many people who risked their lives and livelihood to support and enact this law, traveled throughout the South to help register voters, and ensured that elections were open to all voters, all citizens finally had the ability to vote regardless of their gender or color of their skin, almost 200 years after the founding of this nation. People such as Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr, Medgar Evars, and many who alive today and are vital parts of our communities and families risked so much to bring the privilege of voting to all races. The opportunities to hear and record their stories is quickly disappearing as they age, but they are still very proud of the work they accomplished to better their and their children’s lives.

With so many people risking so much and the dedication of so many lives to ensure all citizens have the ability to vote, why do we continue to have such a low voter turnout for elections? One must remember what great fortune they have to be living in such a time as this, where their ability to vote at the polls is not only allowed, but also needed. Our predecessors fought to give a voice to all people through voting, so let us not squander this opportunity to create a more inclusive republic. Each of us should use our vote wisely, to vote for the candidate that we truly believe will best lead the United States and our hometowns into the future. After so many people gave so much, please do not squander your voice and your vote by not participating in the selection of our leaders.