If you live in the state of Maryland, this is a reminder to vote on tomorrow, Tuesday, May 14th, if you have not already done so. My point in writing this message is to suggest and encourage all of us to vote when the date for elections is upon us. Most average Americans would probably agree with me when I say, “there is no legitimate or rational reason why a person does not vote.”
Can you remember in the past when we had to stand in long lines because of the crowds that had assembled to vote on one specific day? Voting has now been made easy and convenient for all of us, regardless of what state we live. We can now vote by using some of the following methods: mail-ins, in person, absentee, early, etc. With all of these methods of voting, again, there is really no reason why we should not cast our vote. Just like we are required to submit our income tax forms annually, why not a mandate everyone to vote? Of course, we know there may be some health issues that may interfere with a person voting, but beyond that, there is no reason we should not vote.
It is our civic duty to cast our votes. Again, May 14th is the day in Maryland for our primary election. Please get out and vote if you have not already done so. We have heard so much about Angela Alsobrooks and David Trone that we should have made up our minds for whom to vote. It is a wonderful feeling knowing we can vote our conscience without any backlash. Whoever the candidate of your choice is, just vote.
The words of Frederick Douglas on May 1865 were these: “Slavery is not abolished until the Black man has the ballot” Now that the ballot is available to all citizens of the United States of America, consider it a privilege to vote. Many sacrifices have been made to get us to this point.
Parents, please share with your children or at least encourage them to read and embrace the 15th Amendment which states: The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color or previous condition of servitude. It gave states the opportunity to determine specific qualifications for suffrage. Southern states used such qualifications as literacy tests, poll taxes and other discriminatory practices to deter or discourage Blacks from voting.
It was not until the 1950s and 1960s that voting rights were secured for African Americans in the South because it was the focus for the Civil Rights movement. Some states even today, 2024, are still attempting to create barriers to prevent minorities from voting.
Too often we may hear persons say, “my vote will not make a difference.” Please correct them and inform them that every vote matters and counts. Our forefathers and foremothers sacrificed and paid a heavy price so that we might have the freedom to vote.
Voting is an opportunity for us to promote, protect and preserve godly government. If we choose not to vote, we are giving power to those who wish to denigrate or destroy our freedoms. If we have been paying attention, we should understand that there are persons who are seeking leadership positions who will do just that.
The leaders we elect have tremendous influence on our laws and freedoms. As one writer put it, “we can have a say in whether our leaders lead us to righteousness or toward moral disaster.”
I urge you my brothers and sisters in Christ as Timothy 2:1-4 does: “I urge you, first of all to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks to them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.’
Just my thoughts!
Robert Earl Slade, Pastor
