Letter: Vote, speak truth to power and revolutionize our disenfranchised communities

In 2015, I had the privilege of bestowing the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil Rights and Social Justice Legacy Awards at the Gaston County Courthouse next to the controversial Confederate monument, which is still a bone of contention in Gaston County.

Fast forward to 2020, protests for and against the removal of the monument have been publicized in the news media for several months. The protestors’ rights are solidified by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution which states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right to the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

Therefore, we should never take for granted our freedom or our freedom of expression.

2020 has certainly been a polarizing year. Recent deaths of African-American men and women killed by law enforcement have activated new energy, placed a renewed focus on racial equality, sparked a national outcry, conversations and dialogue, protests and unrest which demonstrates that the civil rights and social justice movement is still relevant and visible.

Coronavirus pandemic, disparities, inequality, oppression, disenfranchised communities, police brutality, racial profiling, mass incarceration of African-Americans, Black on black crime and suppression of voter rights plague our nation.

We have experienced life-altering circumstances whereby changes occur, and fear can set in. We have a choice: succumb to fear or keep fighting and prevail through faith. It is easier to fight when you know who you are and what you are fighting for.

Galatians 6:9 states: “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

A revolution for change has been ignited throughout the world, and if we want systemic changes in education, healthcare, employment, economic development, immigration, childcare, environmental, public safety and civil rights and social justice, we must be change agents.

Our country is diverse enough to accommodate change and a wide range of thoughts, therefore we must dismantle systems of inequality, leave our comfort zone for the sake of diversity and inclusion, address provocative themes and topics that cannot be discussed without alienating someone and provide content and clarity where there is noise and fog.

As constituents we must strategize, stay politically engaged and civic minded and review track records of our respective city, county, state and national government officials, and we must utilize our astronomical voting power at the ballot box, speak truth to power and revolutionize our disenfranchised communities.

Historically, we stand on the shoulders of previous generations who were prohibited from exercising their right to vote until the 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified on February 3, 1870, granting Black men the right to vote, although women could not vote.

The 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified on Aug. 18, 1920, granting all American women the right to vote. The voting rights act of 1965 was signed into law on Aug. 6, 1965, by President Lyndon B. Johnson aimed to overcome legal barriers at the state and local levels that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote as guaranteed under the 15th Amendment.

The door is wide open, the way has been paved and your vote in this historical and essential statewide 2020 general election is pivotal, and the outcome will have a significant impact in our disenfranchised communities.

Exercise your legal right to vote. Every vote matters and all lives should matter. I have kept communities abreast of pertinent information regarding voting which include the following.

Who Can Vote and Voter I.D.

You must be a United States citizen, live in the county where you are registering and have resided there for at least 30 days prior to the date of the election.

You must be at least 18 years old or will be by the date of the 2020 statewide General Election on Nov. 3.

Voters will not be required to show photo I.D.

Felony and Misdemeanor Charges

Once an individual has completed a felony sentence, including a probation, parole, or post release supervision or received a pardon, they are eligible to register to vote. Outstanding restitution, fees or other court-imposed monetary obligations can’t prevent convicted felons from voting.

When you are convicted of a misdemeanor in North Carolina or incarcerated you have a legal right to vote.

Absentee and Early Voting

Gaston County residents can contact the Gaston County Board of Elections office at (704) 852-6005 and request an absentee ballot application now and they will mail the application. Voters need to fill out the application and mail it back to the Board of Elections and they will send an official 2020 voting ballot.

Complete the ballot and mail it back to the elections board postmarked by Nov. 3 at 5 p.m. One-stop early voting begins Oct. 15 through Oct. 31.

Individuals can register to vote and make changes to their registration during early voting until Oct. 9. at the Gaston County Board of Elections and various locations.

The statewide 2020 General Election voting will be held on Nov. 3 at local voting polling places from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The power is at the ballot box.

The EvangelistVicky Meeks Clinton is a resident of Gastonia.