What does being a "voter" mean to me...
For me, voting is power. Voting emphasizes that I have a voice and a choice. When I vote I exercise both.
I vividly recall when I registered to vote and when I voted for the first time. New Orleans was re-electing our first African American Mayor, Ernest "Dutch" Morial for a second term. My father said, "Come on, we have to get you registered to vote. Dutch is running for a second term." Dutch won and I felt like my vote made that happen. I still feel just as excited every time I vote.
Most of us aren’t willing to stand up for anything, let alone die for a cause. Throughout history, there were countless men and women who felt voting was so important that they were willing to face being beaten, imprisoned, and even killed.
It's powerful to think that someone would be willing to face death so that I would have the right to vote. In my mind, it would be a slap in their faces if I didn’t take voting seriously.
Every vote counts. Don't let anyone tell you different. Everyone should be registered to vote and every registered voter should exercise their voice and their choice.
Make sure your family and friends are registered voters and encourage them to vote.
Be a Voter... AWOGI Women Vote!
Email AWOGI if you are interested in sharing your voting story.