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Be sure to register to vote: ‘We owe it to our elders’

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On my Facebook page the other day, I saw a post from my smiling 50-something daughter, Pia , urging followers to register and vote.

Some 40 years ago, my girl and her sister Peggy, were an integral part of the postcard voter registration drives I conducted in the ‘hood. (photo)

Pia and Peggy helped people register outside supermarkets, check cashing outlets, the welfare office, liquor stores and other gathering spots.

Did they wanna do it?  Probably not. Did they do it? Well, let’s not deal with  what kids want.

These two daughters grew up, went away to college and moved away from home. I’ve never checked on their commitment to making it to the polls. I’ve not continued the lecture reminding them of the voting rights our old Black folks fought for.

Maybe it wasn’t my early lectures or making Pia do postcard registration that influenced her post on Facebook, but rather it might have President Donald Trump who has influenced her to urge her followers to get to the polls.  Can’t vote if they don’t register.

Maybe I only planted the seed and Trump came along with the watering can.

No matter what did it—she sees the light!

Registering and voting is essential, now, more than ever, and our kids need to learn this.

Registering and voting takes precedence over shopping partying and every other activity we engage in.

Over the years, I’ve heard my oldest daughter, (not one of the two who registered voters) complain that voting doesn’t matter, but that’s not the tune she’s singing  in 2018.

Another  daughter, who still lives at home, has complained every year since  she registered to vote at the age of 18.

“Why?” she’d whine.

“What a nuisance,” she proclaimed year after year and then finally did a mail-in ballot while I stood over her with a “Don’t let me have to. . . . “

Times have changed—she now reports and discusses every move Trump makes.

The people  who register and vote play to win.

Trump’s election and questionable appointments and actions have shown what elections really mean.

Those who vote, their candidates will be elected and the ballot measures they support will be enacted.

Those who don’t vote make it easy for the opposition.

Last day to register for the November 6, 2018 election is October 22.  Last day to request a mail-in ballot is also October 22.

Once registered, much election-related information is available at lavote.net .

Don’t offer up the nonsense excuse, “I don’t know all that stuff on the ballot so why bother?”

Vote for what you do know. Between now and Nov. 6, there will be  forums on the issues and on the candidates. Go and ask questions. Take notes.

Make the kids part of this all important responsibility by giving them a sample registration form.

Doing a mail-in ballot? Give the young ones the thrill of putting it in the mailbox or handing it to the postal carrier.

Voting at the polling place?  Take the kids with you.

Voting can be a family affair.

Check to see if you’re registered to vote at www.vote.org/am-i-registered-to-vote. If  you need a free ride to your polling place, contact your favorite Lyft service provider.

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