Our Vote: Unassailable and Indispensable
The last four years have been enormously challenging as the nation climbs back from the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression.
In the last year, we’ve faced the additional challenge of regressive and discriminatory new voting laws designed to disenfranchise the poor, the young, the elderly and people of color.
And in the last week, the Northeastern United States has faced a devastating hurricane that wiped out homes and businesses, left millions without basic services, and claimed the lives of at least 110 men, women and children.
Tomorrow, we confront all the challenges of our day with the most important tool we have at our disposal: the vote.
You have heard it many times over the last 12 months, as we have successfully fought to strike down or weaken voter suppression. In the words of my friend Rev. Al Sharpton, “Our vote is soaked in the blood of martyrs, the blood of Goodman, Chaney, and Schwerner, soaked in the blood of four little girls in Birmingham, Alabama. This vote is sacred to us.”
We cannot and we will not allow apathy, discrimination or despair to interfere with the free exercise of our rights.
To make sure you’re familiar with the laws in your state, to find the location of your polling place, or to report any problems at the polls, visit occupythevote12.org. Stay in touch on Twitter by following @NatUrbanLeague and using the hashtag #occupythevote.
Photo Caption: Marc H. Morial, National Urban League president and CEO
