Opinion

How important was your vote?

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR RE-ELECTION, GOV. EDWARDS! 
We are looking forward to the next four years – a bright and blessed future for the entire State of Louisiana and Grambling State University. 
To view the 2019 Gubernatorial Results, go to: https://www.sos.la.gov/ElectionsAndVoting/GetElectionInformation/FindResultsAndStatistics/P ages/default.aspx 

On this past Saturday, we witnessed the most important election of our time, and as a result of the outcome, we can all agree, “Elections have consequences.” 

This election further proved that we have the power to decide the quality of life we want for our future generations. 

Voting affords us the opportunity to stand up for the issues we care about, like public transportation, raising the minimum wage, or the funding of HBCUs. 

Participating in the voting process ensures that we maintain the right to vote — a right many of our ancestors did not have and many fought hard for us to obtain. 

The Civil Rights movement gave black Americans legal equality. The Civil Rights Act (1964) stopped the unequal application of voter registration requirements and outlawed segregation in schools, public places and in the workplace.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965, just 54 years ago, gave all black people the right to vote and prohibited discriminatory voting practices utilized in many southern states after the Civil War. 

Oprah Winfrey stated, “For anybody here who has an ancestor who didn’t have the right to vote and you are choosing not to vote wherever you are…. You are dishonoring your family.” 

The decision of anyone in our community to not vote hurts all of us. Elections are decided by people who go out and vote. 

It is our duty to simply study the issues and candidates thoroughly and VOTE. If we don’t vote, someone else will make decisions for us. 

The power is in our vote. It’s our money. We all pay taxes, and we all should have a say as to how our tax dollars are spent. Voting allows us that opportunity. 

This election was a close one, and each vote was important! 

Our vote is our voice and it is important that those who missed this opportunity to vote will take advantage of the upcoming opportunity to be heard in 2020. 

Our country, our state, our local governments and Grambling State University are counting on our vote!