Every Vote Counts! By: Deborah Kelly

On Tuesday November 29, 2011, the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity setup a table in the Lane University Center encouraging people to vote. They were passing out voter’s registration cards to the students so that they won’t be left out of next year’s election. They believe that everyone should take that opportunity to let their voices be heard. Michael Young, a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, says, “voting is important because the choices we make today have an effect on the lives of our future generations, so by voting, we’re showing that we care about what’s happening in the world now, as well as what could happen later.” After talking to them, they made me realize that voting is not only a right, but also a privilege.
There was a time when African Americans couldn’t vote because they were considered property as oppose to citizens. Most of them couldn’t read because of the literacy laws, so that was another hindrance for them. Even after slavery ended, there was still a lot of discrimination that kept African Americans from voting. The opportunity wasn’t given until the 14th amendment was passed in 1868, which states, “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law, which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” After this law was passed, they passed the 15th amendment in 1870 to emphasize the right to vote by simply saying, “the right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.” Because of these reasons, and others, everyone has the opportunity to vote and have their opinion matter.
At the end of the day, the bothers of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity encouraged 30 people to register to vote. Marcus Wilson, a student here at Frostburg State University (FSU), says, “I don’t know why it took me so long to register but I’m glad I did. It makes me feel empowered.” It was refreshing to see students actually interested in receiving the information from the table. I thought they would just pass by, but they took the time to ask questions and really get an understanding of why voting is important. Frederick Ramsey, another FSU student, said “I didn’t expect this when I came out today, but it surely can’t hurt me to register to vote, so why not?” The brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity did a great job with this program and in the end, they had a wonderful turn out.