Every so often, we come to a point where we look critically at ourselves. A moment that forces us to question our morals, our principles, and the very tenets of our democracy. A moment that forces us to choose the type of country we want to be as we move forward. The Declaration of Independence, the Abolition of Slavery, the Ratification of the Constitution, and the subsequent amendments all molded and shaped our country. 

When we elected our first black President, it sent a historic message across the world that America was in word and action, a place that embraced all humanity equally and fully. Since then, we've elected another President that has sent another message about us, one that is full of hate and division, one that sets neighbor against neighbor and seems fully bent on revisiting the race wars as seen during the civil rights movement of the 1960s.

 

On November 3, 2020, we have a chance to say no to separatism. We have an opportunity to repudiate the rhetoric of hate and reroute our footsteps back toward brotherhood. We have the chance to shout and send a resounding message of hope. But we cannot do that unless we vote.

To date, only 36% of registered Plainfield voters have returned their ballots. Now, more than ever, as our civil liberties are threatened, we must stand together and do what we know is right. We have only four days left to cast our ballots. I implore every single registered voter in our city to vote. This year, your vote is critical; we must show that we think, we feel, embrace, and, most importantly, WE CHOOSE! Vote for the candidate of your choice, whomever that may be.

 

A failure to vote is a choice by you to allow someone else to determine your future for the next four years and possibly beyond. A failure to vote is to send a message to your children that you don't care about decisions that will affect their education, healthcare, and right to choose. Every single vote counts. Just like the pebble in the lake that causes a million ripples, a single vote can be the vote that changes the face of an election. Every voter is an activist, and this is your opportunity to take part in revolutionary change.

We must exercise the right to vote, which so many people fought and died for. This right wasn't always ours, but it is now, and we must make this vote count.

 

The last four years under this President have been by all accounts good for some and miserable for others. Like everyone else, I have my opinions. It is no secret that I am not a supporter or fan of President Trump. However, I would never tell someone else how to vote; who you vote for is totally up to you. I know that if we are to get an accurate pulse of what America wants, it is vital for everyone who can vote to do so. If the will of the people is to be reflected in our choice of President, we must vote.

 

If you want to stop the dehumanization of immigrants, you must vote. If you are a proponent and believer in the right to peaceful protest, you must vote. If you want equality of treatment for every citizen by law enforcement, you must vote. If you want to live in a country that lives up to its ideal that “all men are created equal,” you must vote.

 

Let us also remember that we have local candidates who need our vote at the City Council level and the Board of Education. These votes are equally as important as the vote for President. Over the past four years, with scant leadership coming down from the federal level, many states and municipalities have had to fend for themselves. That is why it is critical who we elect at the local level. Let's consider what we want for the education of our children as we cast our votes.

 

This community, this family that we call the City of Plainfield, is at risk. Let’s fight for each other and our brothers and sisters all across the nation. Let’s continue to fight for real freedom, the freedom that is still only enjoyed by a privileged few. Let’s continue to say NO to prejudice and bigotry. Our absolute loudest voice is our vote.

Creating One Plainfield. One Future.