Ready for a Game-Changer? – Expanding the Electorate and Ensuring Equity for All #Freedom #BeThe1st #RealRealty

Try Responsibility

Imagine seeing a family struggling to carry heavy boxes up the stairs to their new home. It’s scorching hot, and they look exhausted. Do you stop and help? Does it matter if that family doesn’t look like you or holds different political beliefs?

It didn’t matter to my neighbors in Toledo. One day, as I was heading home, I noticed a family moving into a house down the street. They were clearly struggling. Without hesitation, a few of us walked over to lend a hand. We weren’t professional movers, but we knew that if we all pitched in, the job would get done faster. What mattered was that we came together as a community to help this family start their new chapter.

Voting, to me, is a lot like that moving day. It’s one of the most powerful ways we, as Americans, can shape our country’s direction and ensure our democracy thrives. When people need help voting, we should be ready to lend a hand, because that’s how our democracy works best.

But this isn’t just about moving day. It’s also a reflection of broader challenges—challenges deeply rooted in our history, like redlining and segregation. These practices have left lasting scars on our communities, particularly communities of color, where opportunities have been systematically denied for generations. Redlining has created deep-seated frustrations, as families who were kept out of certain neighborhoods and denied loans are still feeling the effects today.

Despite these challenges, there’s a profound desire for change. Across the country, people are coming together to create inclusive communities where diversity is celebrated. But with this vision comes a deep fear—that communities of color will continue to be pushed into less desirable, under-resourced areas. This fear isn’t just about housing; it’s also present in our voting systems. New laws restricting early, in-person voting disenfranchise thousands, particularly Voters of Color, who rely on early voting.

We’ve seen this before. In 2000, long lines at the polls led to many voters being turned away before they could cast their ballots. Nearly a million people were affected—close to 3% of all registered voters. These are the kinds of challenges that can undermine our democracy and erode trust in our institutions.

In 2024, the stakes are even higher. The U.S. Census Bureau projects that African Americans eligible to vote will number around 33 million, Latinos around 55 million, and Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) approximately 18 million. These numbers tell us that Voters of Color could make up more than 30% of the eligible electorate, playing a crucial role in shaping the future of our nation.

In Michigan, the 2024 voter registration data reflects this trend. The state has seen a significant increase in voter registration among people of color, with African Americans making up approximately 14% of the registered voters, Latinos around 5%, and AAPI voters about 3%. These numbers underscore the growing influence of Voters of Color in Michigan, a key battleground state where every vote matters.

But if laws restricting access to the ballot box persist, we risk pushing these communities out of the democratic process. That’s why our ultimate goal should be to pass laws that expand democracy to every American. We need a coalition of compassionate people—White, Latino, Black, Asian, Native American, Women, Unions, and Young Voters—working together to ensure that the American promise of liberty and justice for all is truly realized by all.

Just like we helped that family move into their new home, we need to help each other carry the weight of our democracy. By ensuring that everyone has a voice and a vote, we can build a nation where everyone has a place in our democratic home. #Freedom #BeThe1st #RealRealty

————————————————-

Kirk Clay leads Capitol View Advisors with a vision rooted deeply in our shared values, channeling our collective creativity and strategic insight to bridge communities with the essential information and resources they need to elevate and achieve their dreams.