Get Out The Vote!

I was struck with emotion when I went to the polls this morning. In addition to feeling a sense of urgency about the many issues that are at stake in today’s election, I also experienced feelings of pride, sadness and gratitude.

I remain grateful and appreciative of those who put their lives at risk,  and for those who gave their lives; continuing to demonstrate and protest in the face of beatings, bombings, and other forms of intimidation.

There are some whose names, stories, and faces I know well. However there are others whose contributions, although I may never know about them, also served to appeal to the conscience of America and  ensure that my act of casting a vote would be a  right and not a privilege.

Intimidation via high pressured fire hose: Violent Techniques used on Peaceful Protesters in the 1960’s. Not very long ago, actions such as these were sanctioned by the United States Government

Election Day is today. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to do whatever you can to make it out to the polls and vote. The polls here in Michigan will be open from 7:00am to 8:00pm. For readers in other parts of the country, please check with your state to see what your polling hours are. Tell a friend, take a friend. Get out there however you can.

Grace & Peace,

From Aspiring Humanitarian, Relando Thompkins, MSW

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I'm a Social Justice Educator and Aspiring Humanitarian who is interested in conflict resolution, improving intergroup relations, and building more equitable and inclusive communities. "Notes from an Aspiring Humanitarian" is my blog, where I write about issues of diversity, inclusion, equity, and social justice. By exploring social identities through written word, film & video, and other forms of media, I hope to continue to expand and enrich conversations about social issues that face our society, and to find ways to take social action while encouraging others to do so as well in their own ways.

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3 Responses

  1. Regina Johnson says:

    Yes I also shared in your emotions running high today because I was told at first I wasn’t allowed to vote so I asked my fiancee could I use his residence address to vote and of course he said Yes! I felt so good to vote today even though I had to do it the manual filling out my paper ballot and not like everyone one else did with the computer. It didn’t to me which way I voted I was just Blessed that I did N it Counts!

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