Does Every Voice Count?
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ASPA as an organization.
By Sarah Sweeney
November 8, 2020
In many ways the year 2020 has been a historical event; having endured a global pandemic, international protests based on racial injustice and then the election cycle, we have so much to consider. The focus lately has been on the upcoming election and making sure that we get out the vote, to make our voices heard. But who’s voices are the ones we will listen to, and who’s voices are missing? We must acknowledge the continued prejudice and voter suppression that occurs in communities across America if we are to ever get ahead and make real changes in the lives of those impacted most. As community leaders we must understand the historical impact voter suppression has had on communities of color and how we can ensure equal access in having a voice in this and future elections.
It is unfortunate that communities across America are bracing themselves for increased violence in response to the election, especially after months of civil unrest that have impacted disadvantaged and oppressed populations already. There are stories coming out from communities where election officials are putting up barriers to voting based on racial bias and inhibiting voters from making their voices heard, which has led to increased polarization along party lines. Elected officials and community leaders such as ourselves need to encourage our constituents to take necessary steps to making voting (in any capacity) more accessible in historically disenfranchised communities because their voices are just as important in making lasting social change across America. If we take the time to better understand how we can improve access and remove barriers to political engagement in disenfranchised or historically oppressed communities, we can increase access and lift these communities up rather than breaking them down.
Voter intimidation has been increasingly problematic and has led to incidences of violence in some communities, which is not an appropriate response to democracy today, but really a threat to its foundation. Hopefully once this election is over, no matter the result, we can begin the necessary healing to move forward together toward a brighter future. As public administrators we can encourage our communities to push back against this injustice and ensure that our communities have a voice moving forward. We must challenge ourselves to push back against the administration as necessary for the benefit of the public, and do this in such a way that supports and promotes widespread voter confidence in the democratic process. We must stop, look and listen to what our communities are telling us about their political and legislative priorities so that we are better informed about the direction we should go in making improvements and adjustments next election cycle; especially at the local level.
So where do we go from here, in moving forward as a national community, to combat threats to our democracy? An article in The Atlantic outlines a few recommendations for addressing voter suppression and increasing voter access that includes automatic and same-day voter registration, reforms in how communities and neighborhoods are zoned and restoring voting rights for those not allowed; such as some felony convictions. The recent election did see some expansion in same-day registration and improvements in absentee options, however we could certainly benefit from increased efforts at the local level to strengthen perceived safety concerns related to this form of voting; especially if we model it after communities that have been doing this successfully for decades. Being undermined by political leaders certainly doesn’t help instill confidence in the local leaders as it relates to pulling communities back together after getting torn apart by injustice, discrimination and racial bias. For generations certain communities (particularly those of color) have been discriminated against when it comes to zoning practices, which has manipulated access to social services, safe and secure neighborhoods and better schools and employment opportunities. If we push for appropriate zoning that is inclusive, fair and equitable we can create a more diverse and accountable public that trusts their public officials.
Encouraging long term investment in communities of color, particularly those affected most by discrimination, poverty and violence can improve health outcomes for generations to come. We must challenge the status quo in order to make lasting changes that are in support of equity and equality across America. We must continue to fight for racial justice, political freedom and ensure a voice for those most affected by injustice.
Author: Sarah Sweeney is a professional social worker and public administrator in Washington State. She may be contacted at [email protected]




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Does Every Voice Count?
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ASPA as an organization.
By Sarah Sweeney
November 8, 2020
In many ways the year 2020 has been a historical event; having endured a global pandemic, international protests based on racial injustice and then the election cycle, we have so much to consider. The focus lately has been on the upcoming election and making sure that we get out the vote, to make our voices heard. But who’s voices are the ones we will listen to, and who’s voices are missing? We must acknowledge the continued prejudice and voter suppression that occurs in communities across America if we are to ever get ahead and make real changes in the lives of those impacted most. As community leaders we must understand the historical impact voter suppression has had on communities of color and how we can ensure equal access in having a voice in this and future elections.
It is unfortunate that communities across America are bracing themselves for increased violence in response to the election, especially after months of civil unrest that have impacted disadvantaged and oppressed populations already. There are stories coming out from communities where election officials are putting up barriers to voting based on racial bias and inhibiting voters from making their voices heard, which has led to increased polarization along party lines. Elected officials and community leaders such as ourselves need to encourage our constituents to take necessary steps to making voting (in any capacity) more accessible in historically disenfranchised communities because their voices are just as important in making lasting social change across America. If we take the time to better understand how we can improve access and remove barriers to political engagement in disenfranchised or historically oppressed communities, we can increase access and lift these communities up rather than breaking them down.
Voter intimidation has been increasingly problematic and has led to incidences of violence in some communities, which is not an appropriate response to democracy today, but really a threat to its foundation. Hopefully once this election is over, no matter the result, we can begin the necessary healing to move forward together toward a brighter future. As public administrators we can encourage our communities to push back against this injustice and ensure that our communities have a voice moving forward. We must challenge ourselves to push back against the administration as necessary for the benefit of the public, and do this in such a way that supports and promotes widespread voter confidence in the democratic process. We must stop, look and listen to what our communities are telling us about their political and legislative priorities so that we are better informed about the direction we should go in making improvements and adjustments next election cycle; especially at the local level.
So where do we go from here, in moving forward as a national community, to combat threats to our democracy? An article in The Atlantic outlines a few recommendations for addressing voter suppression and increasing voter access that includes automatic and same-day voter registration, reforms in how communities and neighborhoods are zoned and restoring voting rights for those not allowed; such as some felony convictions. The recent election did see some expansion in same-day registration and improvements in absentee options, however we could certainly benefit from increased efforts at the local level to strengthen perceived safety concerns related to this form of voting; especially if we model it after communities that have been doing this successfully for decades. Being undermined by political leaders certainly doesn’t help instill confidence in the local leaders as it relates to pulling communities back together after getting torn apart by injustice, discrimination and racial bias. For generations certain communities (particularly those of color) have been discriminated against when it comes to zoning practices, which has manipulated access to social services, safe and secure neighborhoods and better schools and employment opportunities. If we push for appropriate zoning that is inclusive, fair and equitable we can create a more diverse and accountable public that trusts their public officials.
Encouraging long term investment in communities of color, particularly those affected most by discrimination, poverty and violence can improve health outcomes for generations to come. We must challenge the status quo in order to make lasting changes that are in support of equity and equality across America. We must continue to fight for racial justice, political freedom and ensure a voice for those most affected by injustice.
Author: Sarah Sweeney is a professional social worker and public administrator in Washington State. She may be contacted at [email protected]
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