WE THE PEOPLE - Who Do Not Vote

WE THE PEOPLE - Who Do Not Vote
By Tiffany D. Tilley

As a country, we officially began voting in 1776. You had to be a property owner to legitimately have voting rights. In 1868, the 14th Amendment recognized that African Americans have citizenship, although we were still denied the right to vote. It wasn't until 1920, that the

19th Amendment was added giving women the right to vote in the United States. In 1964 and 1965 during the height of the Civil Rights Era, additional Amendments were added to ensure that no one would be denied the right to vote because they could not pay the polling taxes, pass the literacy tests and other obstacles that prevented citizens from voting. Most of these obstacle were set in place to ensure that minorities and the impoverished could not make decisions that affected their lifestyle, environment and current conditions. We have come a long way to ensure equality and freedom in this country, yet we still have a long way to go.

Today, Detroit's populace comprises approximately 871,121 residents, 83% are African American, slightly over half of the population are women and over 600,000 are registered voters. So why are there only 100,000 or so voters turning out to the polls to make decisions for over 800,000? Why do we not vote?

Truly there must be a mis-education about the power of the vote. There must be a profound denial in the thoughts of people who think their vote does not count. In this election, there will be Detroiters who sit back and complain about leadership, yet do nothing to help get the right leadership elected. People who complain that there is no change, yet they cast no vote.

If we the people love this city, our neighborhoods, our schools, our democracy, our culture and our diversity, then we must vote. We must encourage those who have lost hope in our system to vote. We must come together to define this change that we so desperately need in order for our youth to be successful and prepared for a global economy. We must give them something more than is embodied in their present, a failing school system, an abundance of crime and poverty. We must show them the evidence of strong communities, strong families and generational wealth. I am challenging everyone today to become a part of the movement going on in this city, let's not end the momentum with the Obama race. This race directly effects your city services and your lifestyle. Cast your vote for a stronger Detroit.