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COMMENTARY: I Will Vote!
NNPA NEWSWIRE — African Americans should use these midterm elections as a beta test for the 2020 Presidential election and use the results as a tool to make demands and ensure a dedicated seat at the head table prior to 2020.
Jeffrey L. Boney serves as Associate Editor and is an award-winning journalist for the Houston Forward Times newspaper.
By Jeffrey L. Boney, NNPA Political Analyst
“I Will Vote!”
That is such an empowering statement, when you think about it, especially considering how important voting is for Black people at this critical time in this country.
The voting rights of Blacks are being targeted and threatened every day and those threats have become extremely rampant over the course of the last several months leading up to these important midterm elections in a few weeks.
Early voting has begun in several states and the shenanigans have also increased. There have been a number of reports coming out across the country about voter disenfranchisement and voter suppression tactics that are negatively impacting African Americans, and it is startling.
In Georgia, for instance, Secretary of State Brian Kemp, who is also running for governor against Democratic opponent Stacey Abrams, who is African American, has been hit with a federal lawsuit after being accused of hampering minority voters from registering prior to the midterm elections on November 6. This is troubling, especially because Kemp is running for governor, while holding the office responsible for handling the important process of voter registration.
According to reports, Kemp’s office put approximately 53,000 voter registration applications on hold because of minor discrepancies, and although Blacks make up roughly 32 percent of Georgia’s population, approximately 70 percent of the applications in Kemp’s office that were placed in this voter registration pending status were those of Black applicants.
Back in August, the Forward Times published an extremely troubling story entitled, Jim Crow 2018 – Black Voting Rights under Attack in Harris County, highlighting a voter suppression tactic that took place where roughly 4,000 eligible Harris County voters, mostly African Americans located in Houston’s historic Third Ward, had their voting rights attacked by an independent operative who used an antiquated Texas state law to legally challenge their voting status.
The issue of voter disenfranchisement, voter intimidation and voter suppression is not new, just like protecting the voting rights of African Americans has been an ongoing fight for centuries and one that cannot be ignored. Voting matters. Voting makes a difference.
After the Civil War, Black men were elected to the U.S. Congress and the South even elected some Black senators. These political gains and the progress made by Black people as a result of Reconstruction governments in the South, empowered many Blacks financially and socially.
Many Southern Whites knew that if they wanted to reestablish control and political dominance over Black people in this country, they would have to stop Black people from voting by any means necessary. Thus, the Ku Klux Klan was formed, which came with a primary focus of taking back the South through voter suppression, voter intimidation and voter disenfranchisement. Fast forward to 2018 and the apple has not fallen too far from the tree, as it relates to many of the same tactics being used to disenfranchise Black people in this country politically through voter suppression, voter intimidation and voter disenfranchisement.
It is impossible for Black people to be disengaged politically, and then hope to get the best treatment, outcomes or results from the elected officials they failed to engage with while those candidates were running for their respective seats.
Black people must get engaged and must vote.
However, choosing not to vote at all is a completely different situation altogether. It is detrimental to the growth of the African American community. It does not help, it hurts.
There is a quote that is often referenced when describing someone who is not a part of a major decision that affects them that goes, “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.”
The worst thing African Americans could ever do in the realm of politics is: Nothing.
Have you ever asked yourself why it has been so important to other people to make it difficult for Black people to vote? Why have so many people and groups poured so much money into getting behind select candidates and political parties? Why are people constantly seeking to suppress the vote? Why would people do anything to steal an election through voter suppression and voter intimidation tactics with an emphasis on disenfranchising African American voters?
It is because Black votes matter — and everyone knows it.
African Americans must know it and must show it on November 6. Black people must show that we are actually “at the table” and are no longer just “on the menu” come November 6.
To avoid being “on the menu” as the main course meal on someone else’s table, Black people must show up to the polls this election cycle and make their voices heard. Black people must do this, in spite of the continuous neglect and lack of concentration of reaching Black voters through the mediums they are accustomed to by both political parties. Black people must not rely on others to plead their cause or fight their overall battles for them. Black people must vote.
The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), which represents over 200 Black-owned media companies across the U.S., has been focused on registering 5 million, new Black voters before the midterm elections and is working collaboratively with other national organizations to fight voter suppression and increase Black voter turnout.
“We want the largest, Black voter turnout in American history,” said NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin Chavis. “Voter suppression is taking place, because we’re voting. But we’re going to overcome voter suppression this year, as this is a payback year for African Americans all over the country at the polls.”
African Americans should use these midterm elections as a beta test for the 2020 Presidential election and use the results as a tool to make demands and ensure a dedicated seat at the head table prior to 2020. In Texas, straight-ticket ballots will go away, so neither political party will be able to take a lazy approach to proactively educating potential voters on who their candidates are.
More importantly, candidates of either party will no longer be able to simply skate in to office on party affiliation alone and must put in the necessary ground work and investments to make potential voters more aware of their position on the issues that matter to African Americans. The Black vote should no longer be considered a guaranteed vote.
Choosing not to vote leads to dire consequences for African Americans.
There is a big difference between being able to choose what you want versus being told what you will get. No one likes to have things forced upon them. Of course, you could choose to do nothing, which is still your choice and right to do so. But, by choosing not to vote, you are in essence being told who you will get to represent you at every level of government – local, county, state and federal, as well as what you will get when it comes to key public policy issues.
Those who have sought to disenfranchise and discourage African Americans from voting know the importance of voting, as well as the profound impact that voting has on representation, political outcomes and critical decisions that must be made on major issues that impact you.
More importantly, those who seek to disenfranchise African Americans from the voting process know that whoever holds these political positions of power are able to direct necessary and critical resources to select areas. They are also able to ensure that select people are appointed to key boards and select positions that have an impact on you.
Whether you believe your vote matters or not — and it most certainly does — every Black person will have to adhere to any law that is passed and every decision that is made by the elected body of representatives who hold every seat.
There is absolutely no level of complaining or reactionary response that will change that.
There are no acceptable excuses when it comes to voting. Either Black people vote or reap the consequences of not voting. Every Black person should get engaged in politics if they wish to bring about change. So, this is your chance to make a difference. Say it – I Will Vote!
Now go do it! Cast your vote early or be sure to vote on November 6.
Jeffrey Boney is a political analyst for the NNPA Newswire and BlackPressUSA.com and the associate editor for the Houston Forward Times newspaper. Jeffrey is an award-winning journalist, dynamic, international speaker, experienced entrepreneur, business development strategist and founder and CEO of the Texas Business Alliance Follow Jeffrey on Twitter @realtalkjunkies.
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BLACK WOMEN, THE MIDTERMS, AND THE ISSUES AT STAKE
Black women’s political power is on full display this midterm election. Learn about their endorsements and the key issues shaping their vote.
Who’s earning the endorsement of Black women’s political organizations, and what issues are shaping their decisions this election cycle?
On Wednesday, October 21, Glynda Carr of Higher Heights joins Black Press USA’s Morning Show to discuss the organization’s midterm endorsements, the priorities driving its decisions, and the issues impacting Black women voters across the country.
From political representation to the policies shaping our communities, we’re getting into what matters as Election Day approaches.
Watch LIVE on Wednesday, October 21, from 8–9 AM ET.
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Black women’s political organizations weigh in on midterm endorsements and key issues. Tune in to hear Glynda Carr of Higher Heights discuss what matters most to Black women voters.
Who’s earning the endorsement of Black women’s political organizations, and what issues are shaping their decisions this election cycle?
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Watch LIVE on Wednesday, October 21, from 8–9 AM ET.
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Black History
Federal Agents Search Ilhan Omar’s Home Just 22 Days Before Election
WASHINGTON INFORMER — Federal agents searched the D.C.-area home of Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) on Monday, 22 days before Election Day. This extraordinary step involved executing a criminal search warrant against a sitting member of Congress.
Federal agents searched the D.C.-area home of Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) on Monday, taking the extraordinary step of executing a criminal search warrant against a sitting member of Congress just 22 days before Election Day, as the Trump administration investigates allegations involving her family’s immigration records.
The search immediately drew accusations of political intimidation from Omar’s supporters, who pointed to President Donald Trump’s repeated attacks on the Minnesota congresswoman and questioned the timing of an investigation targeting one of his most outspoken critics.
“Representative Omar is a dedicated public servant and a true ally for working families, and Donald Trump has done nothing but use racist tropes and stereotypes to attack her,” said Joel Payne, MoveOn’s chief communications officer. “Now, he’s abusing his power to physically intimidate and harass her.”
A Justice Department spokeswoman acknowledged that Homeland Security Investigations agents, part of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, searched a District residence as part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation.
The spokeswoman declined to provide additional information or publicly identify the person under investigation.
According to published reports, the warrant identified possible violations involving false statements, immigration document fraud and conspiracy. Federal investigators have also examined questions concerning Omar’s finances, campaign funds and interactions with foreign citizens.
No criminal charges against the congresswoman were identified, but Monday’s search occurred less than four weeks before voters decided whether to return Omar to Congress.
The investigation follows months of public accusations from senior Trump administration officials, including Vice President JD Vance, who previously claimed that Omar committed immigration fraud.
In an interview with conservative commentator Benny Johnson, Vance asserted, without publicly presenting evidence, that the administration believed Omar had broken immigration laws. He also said he and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller had discussed how to pursue the allegations.
“What are the legal remedies now that we know that she’s committed immigration fraud?” Vance asked during the interview. “How do you go after her? How do you investigate her?”
Omar has repeatedly rejected the accusations, including claims that she married her brother to facilitate immigration fraud. Her office dismissed Vance’s allegations in March as fabricated and defamatory.
Questions about the investigation intensified in August when Immigration and Customs Enforcement refused to release records sought under the Freedom of Information Act concerning allegations surrounding Omar’s 2009 marriage to Ahmed Nur Said Elmi.
The agency cited an exemption allowing law enforcement authorities to withhold records when disclosure could interfere with enforcement proceedings. The refusal did not establish that Omar committed fraud or, at the time, confirmed that she was personally under investigation.
Omar, who came to the United States as a refugee from Somalia, was elected to Congress in 2018 and became one of the first two Muslim women to serve in the House. She represents Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District, which includes Minneapolis, and has frequently challenged Trump over immigration enforcement, civil rights, and his administration’s treatment of immigrant communities.
Her confrontations with the administration have made her a recurring target of the president’s political attacks. The criminal investigation also follows a frightening incident earlier this year in which Omar was physically attacked during a public appearance.
On Jan. 27, a man attacked Omar during a town hall meeting at the National Urban League’s Twin Cities headquarters in Minneapolis. The incident prompted condemnation from the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation and its Black Women’s Roundtable, which demanded accountability and warned against political violence.
“We are shocked and extremely disturbed by the attack on Rep. Ilhan Omar yesterday while she attempted to address the critical issues and chaos swirling around in Minneapolis,” Melanie L. Campbell, president and CEO of the coalition and national convener of the Black Women’s Roundtable, said in a Jan. 28 statement.
Campbell praised Omar for continuing to speak out despite threats against her.
“We believe that NO public official should be threatened or physically attacked, especially when they are serving in the best interests of their constituents,” Campbell said. “Political violence and intimidation have no place in our democracy.”
MoveOn, the progressive advocacy organization, accused Trump of using federal law enforcement to intimidate a political opponent and urged voters to respond at the ballot box.
“On Nov. 3rd, we get our chance to fight back and hold him and his corrupt administration accountable,” Payne said.
Based on reporting by Washington Informer.
Black History
‘We Are Ready’: NAACP Launches Voter Protection Hub Ahead of Midterms
ATLANTA DAILY WORLD — The NAACP is launching a voter protection hub to protect voting rights ahead of the midterm elections. Voters can report intimidation and suppression via phone and online, with NAACP attorneys and legal volunteers investigating complaints and seeking emergency court intervention.
The NAACP is launching a voter protection hub ahead of the 2026 midterm elections as voting rights groups prepare for potential challenges at the polls.
Voters will be able to report allegations of intimidation and suppression by phone and through online submissions, while NAACP attorneys and legal volunteers investigate complaints and seek emergency court intervention when necessary.
According to The Washington Post, the hub is scheduled to launch October 24.
“We are ready,” NAACP General Counsel Kristen Clarke told The Washington Post. “We have an army of legal volunteers across the country and are prepared to activate and seek emergency relief on Election Day where necessary.”
The effort comes as organizations are also working to increase Black voter participation ahead of the midterms. BIN reported in September that the Congressional Black Caucus Institute launched its “SO VOTE” campaign, which plans to spend at least $4.5 million registering and mobilizing Black voters, young voters and rural voters.
The Associated Press reported that the campaign is targeting Georgia and Mississippi statewide, along with 16 congressional districts.
The NAACP is particularly focused on voter intimidation, changes to election rules and the impact of redistricting on Black voting power.
The organization filed a lawsuit against Justice Department Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon on Friday (October 2), seeking records about the department’s plans to deploy election monitors at polling places during the midterm elections.
“To be clear, there is no federal statute that gives the U.S. Department of Justice the right to send their so-called ‘election monitors’ to polling sites across the country,” Clarke said in a statement.
The NAACP’s voter protection hub will give voters a centralized way to report problems and connect with the organization’s legal team during the election.
The Black Information Network is your source for Black News! Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HEREto tune in live.
Based on reporting by Atlanta Daily World.
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