"Use Your Vote Your Way"

What is the value of a vote?

That question sounds so basic, but is so relevant in today’s techno-social atmosphere. I hear young non-politically conscious individuals ask what can a single vote do. The idea behind the individual vote is that it adds to other votes to create more and more votes. It’s the idea of power in numbers. Each vote represents one adult individual who, for one reason or another, supports a particular candidate. The more votes for that candidate the better his/her chances at securing the election victory. Although it sounds simple, this process can get very busy and even hectic.

What I find odd about voting is the lack of African-Americans who actually do vote. With the history of African-Americans or black here in America, I would expect more to find the act of voting a privilege and honor to do. Not so with today’s youth and disconnected generation. With politicians being so amplified and commercial, voters rarely get the opportunity to really get to know the candidates. This falseness causes distrust for politicians and a breakdown in the belief true democracy.

I wonder what Andrew Matthews thought about voting. Andrew Matthews was my Great-Grandfather who was born in 1900 and pasted away in 1996. He was born, raised and lived in Arkansas. Could you imagine what he faced pertaining to voting? Although, I love Arkansas and would enjoy being there, I know the rough road my great-grandfather and other African-Americans traveled in the “Deep” south.

Jump-start to 2011, folks are still not voting because of cultural-conditioned environments and extreme lack of social and cultural education. It doesn’t help when those running are uneducated about the political process and government’s multiple layers such as city, county, state, and federal. Another deterrent could be the ones who hold political office tend to forget about the duties of the office and why, they were voted in by their constituents to get into office.

In the end, you alone own your vote. Your vote isn’t for sale. Your vote is to be given and shared in hopes to better your communities and neighborhoods, towns, counties, states and our nation. As does your opinion counts, so does your vote. Use it and use it to your own purposeful utilization. I never tell the truth about whom I vote for because it’s mine and mine alone. Vote for who you support and tomorrow, we’re still friends. Happy voting, =D!!!