By: Cheryl Smith

Another election is upon us, and here I go again.
Over the years, I’ve begged, reasoned, debated, lectured, and even contemplated bribing folks to get them to the polls.
I’ve written commentaries, done shows on radio, television, and podcasts, and given numerous speeches, attempting to inspire folks to vote.
My arguments have included everything from people dying for the right to vote to losing their food stamps if they don’t vote.
I’ve tried to hit people where it hurts or feels good. I’ve always tried to be respectful because I want them to feel good about the decision they make.
If people are constantly told that a hard head makes a soft behind and they still keep being hardheaded, what can you say or do?
If people are told you’re going to produce a child if you don’t use protection, if you don’t use a condom you’re going to catch a disease or your privates will burn when you pee, or if you don’t wear a mask, you’re going to get COVID, and people are still having babies and acting surprised, STDs are still keeping people at the clinics, folks are crying when they urinate, and we are still attending funerals for COVID-related deaths; why would I think anything I say will change things or move people to action?
Well, I just have to have faith. I have to keep working.
I have to keep believing that one day soon and very soon we’ll be voting in 90% and then we will have a better chance at the freedom we all deserve.
