Earlier this month, forever rivals Cleveland High‘s Eagles and the Rainier Beach Vikings’ football teams took to the football field at the Seattle Center Memorial Stadium. Meanwhile, members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. were on the sidelines. With clipboards in hand we greeted families, friends and fans to ensure that every attendee over the age of 18 is registered to vote in the November 4th Election.
“Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. understands that the right to vote is about more than political outcomes,” says Phyllis Scott Lowe, AKA’s Seattle Graduate Chapter President. “The right to vote is about our collective responsibilities to our communities”.
Pollsters, such as Pew Research are clear, they do not expect a high black voter turnout in this non-presidential year election. Ironically, nationally for African Americans there is much at stake.
1. Our right to vote! – Protect our right to vote. There is an undercurrent throughout the U.S. to block people from voting. When we do not vote, the issues that we care about fail. These failures can result in further voter restriction measures.
2. The ability to exercise our rights and our responsibility – There are serious known and unknown consequences when we fail to vote. Know your local voter rights and the ballot issues! How? Watch cable, local and national news, read your voters booklet and your local papers like the Seattle Medium, get on line, listen to KRIZ Radio, to inform yourself on the issues and your choices.
3. Our Collective powers – After you educate yourself, stimulate and communicate with your networks about the issues, and candidates. Focus on our community’s interests and issues when you vote. Pay attention to coalitions and groups that have our interests in mind.
All across the nation, AKA members are working to get out the vote, and get people to the polls. In King County, we have the luxury of voting by mail. Make sure that your ballot is postmarked by midnight November 4th.
Need more help? For a list of the types of assistance that are available to help you fill out your ballot contact King County Elections at (206) 296-VOTE, or visit them on line at http://www.kingcounty.gov/elections.aspx
Don’t wait until November 4 to call for help, do it today so YOUR assistance is guaranteed.
In this mid-term, non-presidential election, November 4, YOUR VOTE MATTERS to our communities, and to our nation.
