Most Americans 18 years and older have the right to vote, but we also have a responsibility to vote. It is possibly the most important civic duty any American has, and yet too many people fail to fulfill it. The Pew Research Center found that not even 56% of Americans voted in the 2016 presidential election.
Why don’t people vote?
There are many reasons why people fail to vote. For some, it might be because some states have passed laws requiring photo IDs or other documentation. For others, it’s because Election Day is on a Tuesday – inconvenient for many workers. And there are those who simply think their single vote won’t make a difference.
There has also been a long history of voter suppression in communities of color. A 2013 Supreme Court ruling on the 1965 Voting Rights Act declared the formula used to determine which jurisdictions could change their voting laws unconstitutional, which reversed some of the progress made with the landmark law. This allowed states to impose barriers to voting, including strict voter ID requirements, disproportionately affecting people of color. Disenfranchisement due to felony convictions has also decreased voting in communities of color.
Fortunately, in California, there is no photo ID requirement, there is early voting and there is vote by mail. Also in California, state law permits employees to take up to two hours off work without loss of pay if they’re unable to make it to the ballot box during non-work hours. So, there are few excuses not to vote in California.
Why vote?
Voting is your way to protect other rights you hold. Your vote will tell government leaders what is important to you, your family and your community. Your vote will help determine priorities and funding levels for health care, education and the environment. Your vote will help determine America’s place in the world.
This year’s elections will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2020. California registered voters have been automatically mailed a ballot.
Make your voice heard on November 3rd. Vote.
###
To learn about California ballot measures, go to https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/ballot-measures/qualified-ballot-measures
To find a voter drop box, go to https://www.lavote.net/home/voting-elections/voting-options/vote-by-mail/vbm-ballot-drop-off