The election is down to a wire, and all the candidates are pulling out all stops to get voters to participate in early voting or get out to the polls on election day. Candidates, from those running for office to those seeking re-election, are making campaign stops in previously overlooked or ignored communities in hopes of persuading uncommitted voters to cast their ballots for them. When I see these kinds of trends along with the elitist politicos, who rarely, if ever (other than a photo op) visit underserved communities, start pandering to their constituency, I must wonder about the sincerity of those efforts.
Kyle, a real estate investor, entrepreneur, and father of two, from Aston, Pennsylvania, says “I do plan to vote, however; it will be for the lesser of the two evils. I’ll cast my vote for Harris, though I do not believe either candidate is the right one for the job. Can’t say I know much about Harris’ character, but from what I know of her opponent, being a convicted felon speaks to character and is the gauge of a person’s moral compass. I have to ask how much is going to benefit African Americans because every candidate wants to get into office and makes a lot of promises, but when they’re elected to office, we don’t see them again until the next election. So, really, how is that beneficial to us?
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Speaking of character, moral compasses, and just being fair and doing what’s right in general, I would be remiss not to call attention to some of the most blatantly outrageous ploys being used to gain voters’ trust and, ultimately, their votes.
It’s my opinion that in most instances, the scenario is not as it appears, and I’m usually looking for what is being hidden, or for what I’m being distracted from. I wonder if candidates realize that there are many voters who see beyond the rhetorical speeches and empty promises and understand that they are really underrepresented by those they elected. It’s important to pay attention to everything because these are the people who will determine the futures of our families, communities, businesses, and the quality of our lives.
One of the things that really (I mean really) annoys me is Elon Musk’s Voter Lottery, which is giving away millions to those who endorse the First and Second Amendments. To date, Musk has given away three checks for a million dollars each. Legally speaking, his actions may not constitute criminality. However, morally speaking, it’s reprehensible–not to mention lacking integrity.
Though payment for petition signing doesn’t violate any federal laws, according to U.S.C. 10307(c), payment for voter registration and voting is illegal. Anyone knowingly or willfully offering, paying for, or accepting payment for voter registration or voting will be imprisoned for not more than five years or fined $10,000.00. Please tell me why Musk hasn’t been charged, arrested, or something because no matter what he says or how he frames it, it’s evident that the government is reluctant to take any action other than warning him that what he’s doing is possibly illegal; when United States Code clearly states so. This appears to be a case of looking the other way because he has money. I can guarantee it would not be the case if it involved anyone from our communities.
This is one of the many reasons why every single person of legal voting age and status should have cast an early ballot or be at the polls on November 5th to cast an in-person vote. Your vote matters. Please take your civic responsibility seriously and exercise your right to vote. Many of our elders and ancestors fought and died for us to be able to vote. Let’s honor them by casting our ballots on November 5th.
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