Posts tagged with "2024 elections"

Why Voting Green Matters: A Perspective from Jill Stein

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In a thought-provoking opinion piece, Jill Stein makes a compelling case for why voting Green is a crucial step towards a more just and sustainable future. Stein argues that the two-party system has failed to address the pressing issues of our time, from climate change to economic inequality. She emphasizes that the Green Party offers a viable alternative, with a platform that prioritizes people and the planet over corporate interests.

Stein challenges the notion that voting for a third-party candidate is a “wasted vote,” asserting that it is, in fact, a powerful way to send a message to the political establishment. By supporting the Green Party, voters can help build a movement that can hold the major parties accountable and push for real change.

“I’m running because I feel a moral imperative to fight for the real change we need. Like so many voters I meet on the campaign trail, I can’t just sit by and watch our government fund genocide, abandon working people, and pour fuel on the flames of the climate crisis. We are facing existential threats and I am running to represent the majority of people who see that the corporate duopoly of Democrats and Republicans isn’t going to solve our problems.”

The Green Party makes a significant impact on American political culture because it offers a real alternative to the two-party system and can:

  • Challenge the Status Quo: By presenting different perspectives and policy proposals, the Green Party can push the major parties to address issues they might otherwise ignore.
  • Empower Voters: It provides an option for voters who feel disillusioned by the Democrats and Republicans, potentially increasing political engagement.
  • Advocate for Change: The Green Party can build a movement that holds the major parties accountable and pushes for progressive policies, particularly on climate change and social justice.

Overall, the text implies that the Green Party, even without winning major elections, can play a significant role in shaping political discourse and pushing for a more just and sustainable future.

This article is a must-read for anyone who is disillusioned with the current political landscape and is looking for a way to make a meaningful impact with their vote.

Read Jill Stein’s full Op-Ed HERE.

2024 Elections and Voting Dates

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Voting is a fundamental right and responsibility of citizens in a democracy. It is the means by which people choose their representatives and have a say in the laws and policies that govern their lives.

The History of Voting in America

The right to vote in America has not always been guaranteed. In the early days of the United States, only white male landowners were allowed to vote. It was not until the 15th Amendment to the Constitution, ratified in 1870, that African American men were granted the right to vote. Women were not granted the right to vote until the 19th Amendment, ratified in 1920.

Despite these advances, voting rights have continued to be a source of contention in American history. In the Jim Crow era, Southern states used poll taxes, literacy tests, and other discriminatory practices to disenfranchise African American voters. Even today, there are ongoing efforts to restrict voting rights, particularly for minority voters.

The civil rights movement was a period of social activism and protest that emerged in the United States in the 1950s and 1960s, with the aim of ending racial discrimination and segregation, and securing equal rights for African Americans. Voting rights were a central focus of the civil rights movement, as the ability to vote was seen as a fundamental right and a key to achieving racial equality.

Impact of Voting Rights:

  • The civil rights movement and the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 led to a significant increase in voter registration and turnout among African Americans.
  • Black voter turnout increased from less than 50% in the 1950s to over 60% in the 1968 presidential election.
  • The Voting Rights Act helped to elect more African American politicians at all levels of government.

10 Things to Know to Protect Your Vote:

  1. Register to vote.
    Check your state’s voter registration deadlines and requirements. Register to vote at least 30 days before Election Day.
  2. Know your voting options.
    Find out if your state offers early voting or mail-in voting. Learn about the different ways to vote in your state.
  3. Get informed about the candidates and issues.
    Research the candidates and issues on the ballot. Make an informed decision about who and what you will vote for.
  4. Vote Early or on Election Day.
    If you are voting in person, find your polling place and bring your photo ID. If you are voting early by mail, make sure to mail your ballot in plenty of time.
  5. Protect your vote from fraud.
    Understand the signs of voter fraud and report any suspicious activity.
  6. Get involved in the election process.
    Volunteer for a candidate or campaign. Attend a rally or debate. Talk to your friends and family about voting.
  7. Educate yourself about voter suppression.
    Be aware of the different ways that people try to suppress voter turnout. Fight against voter suppression.
  8. Make your voice heard.
    Vote in every election, big and small. Your vote matters.
  9. Stay informed about election results.
    Follow the election results on Election Day and in the days after. Make sure your vote was counted.
  10. Get involved in post-election activities. Attend a recount or protest if necessary. Support the candidates and causes you believe in.

Election details for all states can be found on Ballotpedia, including the Administration Legislation Tracker:

  • For early voting dates for 2024 presidential primary elections click HERE. 
  • For early voting dates for 2024 statewide primary elections click HERE. 
  • For early voting dates for the 2024 general election click HERE. 
  • For early voting by state click HERE.
  • For more on local elected officials click HERE.