By June Boyd
Guest Column
The present administration in the White House has taught us all a lesson. We must register and vote like never before for the 2026 election. That will be for the primary and the general election.
The government has shut down, hurting so many people. Not only are they attacking DEI throughout their administration, with blatant racism, they are also even invading the U. S armed forces, almost requesting an all-white, all-male army. I am sure the late Colin Powell is turning over in his grave.
If your religion prohibits voting that is understandable, however, for those of us who have no excuse, it is imperative to use the voting power you have, which represents our freedom.
To give you a bit of history about the importance of voting, African Americans were not allowed to vote until 1870 by the 14th Amendment. Women did not gain the right to vote nationwide until 1920 with the 19th Amendment. However, let us get back to the African American status in voting. In 1963 and 1964 in Mississippi, black people were paying poll tax, having to take literacy tests, losing their jobs and facing murderous threats from the KKK, just for attempting to vote.
This present activity continued until President Lyndon Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act in 1964. Worse than that, also in Mississippi, three young civil rights leaders, and I will name them; James Cheney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner were tortured and murdered just for attempting to register African Americans to vote.
The foregoing gives a thorough reason for you to vote. Also, with the horrible history existing now in 2025, there are those who would like to keep you from voting which should tell the story of how important your vote is. Believe me, whether you have 10 cents or 10 million dollars, when you vote, it registers the same.
Next year, you can make a difference, 2026, the primary and general elections will no doubt be the most important elections in our lifetime. Be ready, the major changes that have taken place with the present administration in the White House, have and will continue to affect us all unless we change it.
Voting is your POWER. The reason there have been so many efforts, no matter how deadly, to keep you from voting must be eliminated, with determination to vote. Too many of us have forgotten our roots and the struggles our ancestors have gone through for equal rights and fairness.
Let no one take away your hopes and dreams and quest for success. I am personally disappointed that we have so much gun violence against each other. Please stop it! It is not in our DNA to be violent. Our people fought for our rights, not each other. For those who are not registered as yet, do get registered. Registration has closed presently for the Municipal election in Toledo, however 30 days after the election, you can sign up. One important note, in the state of Ohio, if you have been convicted to a felony, you may register once you have served your time, even if you are on probation.
The telephone number for the Lucas County Board of Elections is 419-213-4001 if you have any questions. Vote as though your life depended on it, and believe me, it does.