We will not be denied the right to vote. On June 9th, 2020, the State of Georgia had its Democratic Primary Election. As a registered voter, I went to the polls. Surprisingly, my polling place was at a church that is closed due to the pandemic ravaging the nation. A sign sent me to another nearby location. Upon arrival, there were approximately twenty-three people in line ahead of me. The time was 8:45 a.m. Poll workers came out to survey the line and ask people if they were confident that this was their correct polling place. The pollsters aided the seniors by ushering them inside ahead of able-body voters in line. After fifteen minutes, it started to drizzle. The rain didn’t discourage anyone. Everyone held their position because we will not be denied.
As we social distanced, a dialogue ensued about lack of receiving absentee ballots, not being notified ahead of time about polling place changes, and malfunctioning equipment. We are in a time of crisis where the blind leading the blind is not sufficient. No matter how much we want to do things the right way, the more obstacles are thrown in our path. It has become so customary for voters to be deterred from going the extra mile to be seen and heard. Despite all the subtle efforts to suppress the inevitable, we will not be denied. Ballots will be casted to make the necessary changes to improve our communities.
It was 10:45 a.m. before I made it to the front door of the polling place. Once inside, I had to be certified as a registered voter and given my access card for the voting machine. I arrive at the voting machine at 11:15 a.m., and I receive a readout that my access card is not active. You would think that the frustration would sullen my mood, but I have come too far to throw in the towel. As I return to the certification desk, the pollsters look at me with dismay as if they can’t figure out why it didn’t work. They politely apologize for the inconvenience, cancel out my original certification, and have me certify again.
I cast my ballot at 11:25 a.m. because I will not be denied. Voter suppression is real and active in heavily populated minor states, cities, and towns. The United States of America needs reform on many different fronts. Change is on the horizon because we will not be denied. #Vote2020