Source: BPAC
Black Progressive Action Coalition (BPAC) Founder and Executive Director Adrianne Shropshire participated in a series of radio interviews to help raise awareness of the upcoming general elections.
With Election Day rapidly approaching, Shropshire explained how she and her organization are engaging Black voters.
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Shropshire emphasized the need for Black voters, in particular, to recognize the significance – historical and otherwise – of the elections in their entirety.
“The most important thing is that we show up as a community and say, ‘Here is our message and here’s what we want to see’ in terms of the direction of this country,” Shropshire said.
The economy is among the chief motivations Black voters have to participate in the democratic process, Shropshire continued while rattling off a list of other important issues at stake.
“There is a conversation that [Black voters] want to have about what’s most important to them,” Shropshire said. “These are the issues that we need to carry into the ballot box with us. We can make a difference on these issues.”
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Shropshire said that while the presidential election is a huge deal, there are plenty of other races on the ballot that can’t be ignored, especially on a local level.
“We’re electing people to offices that are much closer to home than Washington, D.C., that are going to have an impact,” Shropshire said, “So it’s important that people think about every race and get the information you need.”
Shropshire also advised voters to know in advance how, where and when they will cast their ballots to prevent any possible snags from taking place.
“Make a plan,” Shropshire said before offering some resources to help voters who may find themselves in need of assistance on Election Day.
Shropshire also challenged voters to participate on Election Day in part to make sure they have their voices heard on issues that matter most to them.
“There is a way to make a difference and to make a change,” Shropshire said before adding: “Voting is one way to do that.”
Shropshire encouraged people to consider voting as a way of having a positive impact on their communities and future generations.
“There is power in our vote,” she said. “We know that when we show up, we actually can make a big change.”
Instead of waiting until Election Day to cast their ballots, Shropshire emphasized the many opportunities people have during the current election season.
“The election is right now–early voting started,” she said. “ We know there are record numbers of people turning out to case their vote early, and we want to keep that momentum going.”
Shropshire also shared how to engage with potential voters who aren’t sure whether their vote even matters. She emphasized the need to understand people’s concerns and draw connections to the ways voting can make a difference. It’s also important to understand the work doesn’t stop after election day.
“We have to show up the day after election day,” she said. “If we elect people to office and then we go back home and we don’t hold them accountable for doing what they are supposed to do–or what we need for them to do it for our community–then we’ve sort of fallen down on the job.”
Sharing some parting advice about how to avoid issues while voting, Shropshire encouraged people to ask poll workers for assistance or call the election protection hotline 866-Our-Vote.
“If you’re in trouble or you can’t figure out what’s happening, or the election poll workers can’t help you figure out what’s happening, call that number,” she said. “There will be lawyers that will be able to assist you and get you the help that you need at the poll.”
Noting that “every election is the most important election,” Shropshire explained that there are issues that Black voters are engaging around that have state and federal implications.
“It’s so important get informed on the impact that all the races have right our local government, our state government, that they have the ability to address the issues that we care about, too, not just the president or the Congress,” Shopshire said.
For people who find themselves unmotivated to vote, particularly because of online content they’re exposed to, Shropshire has some words of encouragement.
“Don’t be demoralized by things that you’re seeing on social media. Because we are community, have been a target of missing disinformation, all with the intention of getting us to stay home,” Shropshire said.
She emphasized the importance of voters casting ballots not just with themselves in mind but also their communities.
“Sometimes we have to put our own selves aside and say, I’m gonna do this because it’s what’s best for my community,” Shropshire said. “I’m gonna do it because it’s what’s best for my family.”
Shropshire said BPAC has been meeting with Black voters who shared what is motivating them to participate in the democratic process for Election Day.
“There’s a host of issues that people care about and I think the important thing really is that people will take these issues into the ballot box with them,” Shropshire said, adding that voters must balance doing what’s best for them as well as what’s best for their communities.
“The reality is that these are issues that affect everybody in our community,” Shropshire added. “And so voting isn’t just about our individual needs, it’s about the needs of our entire community. And we have to take that into account.”
Make sure you check out the BPAC Election Resource Center for more information.
Written by NewsOne’s editorial team.
Paid for by Black Progressive Action Coalition.
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