[LOVEMYFLASH] VOTING IS POWER!The ratification of the 13th, 14th and 15th Civil War Amendments to the United States Constitution were developed with the intent to prohibit discrimination, but did not ensure voting among all people. The African American citizens of the American South found themselves at a painstaking battle against Jim Crow that resulted in hundreds of African Americans dead merely for a right promised in the U.S. Constitution-The right to vote. There were people of all ages and ethnicity that were among those that marched, demonstrated and spoke out against the injustices of Jim Crow. Jim Crow intimidation included literacy test, poll taxes, and grandfather clauses that were intended to dissuade African Americans from their right to vote. Thousands of African Americans died for the right not only to register to vote, but to cast a ballot for their elected representative and have a seat at the table with their white counterparts. Among some of the most memorable tragedies were young people, many of whom were not even of voting age. Vivid images of the young and old being lynched, churches, homes and businesses being bombed and burned, dogs attacking youth and continuous arrest were indelible for those living in the south during the Jim Crow era.Almost fifty years later African Americans have the ingrained mentality that their vote does not count. It is harder to register people and there are more barriers put in place to discourage African Americans to vote. The New York Times reported that 1 in 9 African Americans between the ages 20-34 are incarcerated. There are some states prohibiting ex-offenders’ the right to vote upon leaving prison, creating another barrier for turnout from the African American communities. Additionally, many states, such as Ohio and Florida in the 2000 and 2004 elections, have endured lengthy battles and controversy in regards to voting provisions and election results which has created low voter confidence among African Americans who have witnessed and been the beneficiaries of these disenfranchisement tactics.It is our duty as young people to perpetuate among our peers not only the importance of voting but the significant impact that young voters have in the process. Young people affect turnout every level of democracy from working campaigns to shaping the tone of issues that elected officials address. In the 2008 election there is a lot of enthusiasm, not only for the candidates but for the impact that this election will make for the future of America.Our roles are just as important today as the role of young people fifty years ago. It is encouraged that we impose civic participation on everyone regardless of ethnicity or socio-economic status especially since everyone’s future is at stake. We are all able to influence some part of the process either by influencing others to get active or keeping abreast on the issues. Either way the more you know, the better off you will be![/LOVEMYFLASH][LOVEMYFLASH]
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