But
in order for change to take place and continue the leadership of restoring hope
to the poor and middle class, ending poverty, better education and creating
jobs. Then the black vote at the ballot box is very important this fall.
Leaders
of the National Urban League, a civil rights group, released a report on
Tuesday that said although blacks voted overwhelmingly for the Democrat in
2008, if the number of African American voters drops even 5 percentage points
this year it could tip the outcome in some vital states.
So
what this mean is, African Americans voters must get registered and be ready to
vote in November in larger numbers than 2008.
If
that voter turnout rate returned to the 2004 election levels - 60 percent
compared with nearly 65 percent in 2008 - the report estimated that Obama, the
nation's first black president, would lose in North Carolina and would have a
tough time in Ohio and Virginia.
"We
wanted to point out that turnout makes a difference," said
Marc Morial, president of the National Urban League. "And that African
American turnout particularly, in a number of states, could make the ultimate
difference."
A USA TODAY/Gallup
poll of 12 swing states - including North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia - on July
8 showed the pair essentially tied as Obama had a narrow 2-point lead.
Morial
said many political pundits often dismiss the importance of blacks because they
voted overwhelmingly - about 95 percent - for Obama in 2008 over Republican
John McCain.
"No
one has really picked up on the idea that African American voters are part of
the swing category," said Morial. "But it's not 'What percentage of
African American voters will vote for the president?' - it's 'How many actually
get to the polls and vote?'"
Voting
is important; it’s a right and right that our forefathers fought for. Many have
died for this cause, march thousands of miles and raised many of voices. So we
as African Americans must utilize this right and power of voting. Let your
voice be heard.
New
voting laws have taken place in many states, it is important to call your local
Board of Registrar Office to get the importance of casting a ballot in your
county and precinct. May sure you are registered, with correct information, if
not update your information. If you are not registered to vote, get registered
to be able to cast a ballot.
This
election will depend on you the African American vote in November.
