Why We All Must Participate In The Electoral Process

Whether you're a seasoned voter, a first-time voter, or someone simply interested in understanding the significance of voting in a democratic society, this episode of The Sharon Reed Show will empower you with knowledge and inspiration to become an active participant in shaping the future through the power of your vote.

Episode Transcript

(00:02):
You know, our daily life,there are things that from time to time
irk us. We don't like todo them, but we must. We're
in a driver's license, a passport, pain, the rent. These are
things we have to deal with,whether we like it or not. We
can't just shrug them off if wewant to continue to participate in, or
even enjoy the privileges we've become accustomedto. Why don't some of us think

(00:25):
of voting that way? It isa point of impact that we must reckon
with. For all of America's flaws, Democracy's flaws, casting a ballot speaks
directly to this thing we call Americanlife. I'm Sharon Reid, and it's
time to examine why the alarming numberof Americans who do not participate in the
voting process goes a clear and presentdanger to the path forward. The United

(00:52):
States of America has long pointed toa core freedom and democracy, and while
we have a ways to go,in truth, it is what we're supposed
to be striving towards. It's dishearteningto witness a significant portion of our population
abstaining from their civic duty to vote. Let's start with the excuses why people
abstain from participating in the electoral process, such as I'm too busy, or

(01:17):
voting is inconvenient, or even better, my little vote doesn't matter. However,
I want to be crystal clear.When you shruggle off this responsibility as
a citizen, there are consequences.Voting is the bedrock of our democratic system.
It is the means by which weas citizens have an ability to influence

(01:38):
our government and hold our elected officialsaccountable. When we abstain from voting,
we relinquish this power. We allowdecisions that affect our lives profoundly to be
made by others. It is adisservice to our nation. Shure, It's
also a disservice to ourselves. Again, it's not a perfect system. But
think about this. You don't abstainfrom other activities even when say he or

(02:04):
she isn't perfect. Furthermore, notvoting underminds the sacrifice is made by countless
individuals throughout our history, brave men, brave women who fought tirelessly for the
right to vote. To just throwthat away is to disregard a crucial part
of their legacy and the progress wehave made as a country. Also,

(02:25):
abstaining from voting disconnects citizens from theirgovernment. That's what they want. Your
silence, because it sends a powerfulmessage you likely didn't mean to send.
It screams we don't care about thedecisions being made on our behalf, which
in turn leads to a government thatis unresponsive to the pressing needs the concerns

(02:46):
of its people. Stop for amoment and consider voting is not just the
right, it is the best wayto voice our concerns and shape the future
of our try. It is thepower to control your own medical care,
including making decisions and consultation with yourphysician. It is addressing educational inequality,

(03:08):
acknowledging the fact that students from minoritybackgrounds and economically disadvantaged families leave school earlier,
received fewer degrees and certificates, andhave lower academic skills than their more
privileged peers. And if you weren'tpaying attention, great American literary artists like
James Baldwin, Tony Morrison, MayaAngelou are under attack. Book fans exerted

(03:34):
by local and state officials and electedlawmakers to restrict teaching or presence of certain
books can effectively be addressed at theballot box. We can clear this up
and there's more. Medicare, Medicaid, social security, workplace equality, marriage
equality, the climate crisis just afew of the threats that are a clear

(03:55):
and present danger if we abstain fromvoting. But here is the getcha,
getcha, gotcha. By not participatingin the voting process, we allow a
minority of the population to have anoutsized influence on the direction of our country.

(04:15):
It is very simple. If youstay home on election day, you
will have no recourse when your concernsare no longer represented, or even worse,
they're not even acknowledged. They don'teven see you. Think about that.
The greater truth is elections can bewon or lost by a handful of
votes, and when large segments ofthe population do not vote, excuse the

(04:35):
results and can lead to policies thatdo not reflect the broader will of the
people. So, yes, I'mcriticizing you. The only way to be
heard is to engage, be active. These are rules in any democracy.
Give your input, dissent if youwish, but say something. Remember the

(05:00):
words of the American President from thegreat state of Illinois, who said elections
belong to the people. It's theirdecision. We can honor those words by
participating in the electoral process and ensuringthat our democracy remains strong and vibrant for
generations to come. Personal note foryou on behalf of the show and all

(05:24):
the people who work hard to getit on. We want to thank you.
Your support is appreciated as we continueto build our audience. Your likes,
your comments, your shares, theydo mean everything, and so does
your energy as we decide what's next. It's our platform together. I'm Sharon
Reid. Join us next time forthe Sharon Reid Show podcasts, a Real

(05:46):
Times Media production. You know.In eighteen twenty seven, John Russworm and
Sam Cornish started the Freedom's Journal,And they started The Freedom's Journal with the
premise that we wish to plead ourown cause. For too long others have
spoken for us, and for thelast one hundred and ninety eight years,

(06:09):
the Black Press has been that beaconof hope. Real Times Media, we
wish to continue this one hundred andninety eight year legacy. In the spirit
of Ida B. Wells or MarcusGarvey or Langston Hughes, we bring to
you another truth teller, Miss SharonRead with the Sharon Reads Show. Sharon

(06:31):
has integrity, she's witty, andshe has an unapologetic love for black people.
We hope that you agree. Joinus for future episodes of The Sharon
Reid Show, and make sure yousupport the Black press.