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VOTE!!!
The Black Church, as it has done throughout history, has an opportunity, on a nonpartisan basis, to mobilize intergenerational Black voters to vote for their values, convictions, and interests in the 2024 election in record numbers. We have a choice in November between safeguarding our freedoms, like the freedom to vote in free, fair, and safe elections, or losing our freedoms for the foreseeable future by those committed to taking them away. Voters should cast their ballots without fear of safety, political division, or hate challenging our rule of law.
It is crucial to understand what our vote, inspired by the Black Church voter registration, mobilization, and turnout, has already attained in the 2020 election. It is important to remember that by going to the polls and taking others with us during the early vote and on November 5th, we ensure that we build upon the gains made while safeguarding our democratic way of life.
Our faith teaches us everyone is created in the image of God and deserves to be protected in their freedom to vote their convictions and values (Genesis 1.27). We are also taught to care for the vulnerable and look out for those who are mistreated (Matthew 25). One way to do that is to vote for leaders who will ensure that no American is left behind in the benefits that ensure a high quality of life for everyone in our great nation.
WHEN YOU VOTE: You take action to protect your healthcare rights. Participating in past elections led to $35/month insulin costs for the elderly, capped prescription drug costs, and a strengthened Affordable Care Act that lowered premiums for millions. Voting ensures healthcare protections remain secure, preventing them from being repealed or jeopardized by those prioritizing pharmaceutical companies over individual health.
WHEN YOU VOTE: You receive support for childcare. Participation in the last election brought benefits from the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Child Care Stabilization Program, reducing childcare costs by up to $1,200 per child per household. It expanded the child tax credit, allowing more Americans to receive up to $3,600 annually. Vulnerable youth now have nutritional security and can learn without worrying about hunger. Your vote protects educational rights, ensuring public education remains federally regulated and politically unbiased.
WHEN YOU VOTE: You lift up and protect a precious right that has been hard-fought by marginalized communities for decades. As we near the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act being signed into law, we can reflect on the actions taken by those before us who protested, were arrested, and even died for us to receive this right. We have not always had the right to vote. Even today, many communities struggle to continue this right without being intimidated or dismissed at polling sites. By participating in our civic duty, we recognize the sacrifice and dedication of those who came before us and continue the fight to protect our rights.
WHEN YOU VOTE: You protect nearly 600,000 undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children and are now adults, contributing to our society from deportation and promoting sound immigration reform. Voting in the previous election helped keep immigrant families together and made it easier for international students to obtain visas, education, and career opportunities in the U.S. Voting protects those without civic access and prevents young people from being sent to unsafe places.
You should vote because voting at every level of the ballot ensures that our sacred office positions are valued and our lives are preserved. Local offices such as prosecutors, sheriffs, school boards, and city council positions have the power to change our daily lives in significant and impactful ways. Voting guarantees that the people who represent you in your city are those who value your life and safety.
You should vote because voting empowers our faith. The scripture says, “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead (James 2:26 NIV).” Voting protects our constitutional rights and fundamental freedoms from being infringed upon. Voting supports political candidates who vote in favor of your healthcare needs, jobs, environment, and loved one’s future.
You should vote because the margin of victory is slim. By voting, you push for national success and prosperity, challenge barriers against marginalized communities, and prioritize the needs of vulnerable populations. Your vote empowers you and your community, driving positive change. Your vote is crucial because change can only be brought about when we work together and vote together to push for a better future together!
Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner
Barbara Williams-Skinner, CEO and co-founder of Skinner Leadership Institute, is a trusted advisor, public policy strategist, faith and community leader, author, lecturer, educator, executive coach, and mentor.
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