By Imani Racine
With the Presidental election quickly approaching, student leaders have taken it upon themselves to get their peers out to the polls and civically engaged.
Imani Murdock, a senior at Clark Atlanta University, is one of these students using their platform to inform their peers on the importance of voting and elections.
Murdock, along with CAU alumna Markeena Novembre, used her platform to do an informative live stream that took place on National Voter Registration Day. They both discussed the importance of voting and explained how students need to prepare themselves for the upcoming election.
“We have a fight that’s not finished,” Murdock said. “It’s been started, and it’s our duty to keep it going.”
During the live stream, Murdock also expresses the importance of Black Americans, making their voice heard by voting. November notes that in 2016 the Black voter turnout declined for the first time in 20 years.
“Regardless of whether you like the candidate or not, you need to vote for what is in the country’s best interest,” Murdock said. “Whether the Black community turns out or not, your counterparts will.”
This was one of the several calls to action Murdock has participated in. Murdock also uses her platform to speak on police violence’s ongoing issue and shares information on marches and protests in the area.
Student activism comes in many forms and can come from anybody who wants to inspire change around them. There is no right or wrong way to be an activist, especially in the age of social media, where anyone can help spread their ideas.
“Put the information out there,” Novembre said during the live stream. “Every single person has a platform.”
The mobilization of college students in times like these is nothing new. This same fight for civil rights led to the Atlanta Student Movement, which students started right here in the Atlanta University Center in 1960.
The first step in the voting process is being registered. Those who aren’t registered already must register by the registration deadline in their state. Information on the state’s deadlines can be found on usa.gov.
It’s important to note that students need to be registered in the state they are currently residing in. Those who have registered in their college state won’t be allowed to vote in their home state without registering again.
Even people who have registered in the past should check their registration status. There have many cases where registered voters have been wrongfully purged without their knowledge.
This election is happening during an unprecedented time, and absentee ballots have also been a central topic of concern. Absentee ballots must be requested before their deadline, which varies by state. It’s also imperative they are mailed in before Nov. 3.
After the election happens in November, it’s essential that students still exercise their right to vote. Voting in local elections is just as important as federal elections because they directly impact the communities they serve. Websites such as whosontheballot.org let you see all the candidates that will be your voting ballot before you even get to the polls. Tools like this are aimed to make it easier for people to vote in their local elections.
The ballot in November will not only have the Presidential candidates but state and congressional candidates as well. Those who are unfamiliar with who the candidates are should also familiarize themselves with running to make an educated decision.
Midterm elections play a crucial role in the makeup of the Senate and House of Representatives. When people don’t show up to vote for these midterm elections, we see a government shift that most citizens don’t want. This happened under the Obama administration, where the Democrats lost 12 Senate seats, putting America in its position.
As we enter a new wave of social activism, remaining informed about social issues is essential. The work of student activists is crucial for their peers; it also serves as a way for future leaders to be inspired.
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