Creating a More Inclusive Environment For Minority Populations
Imagine going to the voting polls and feeling so judged by others based on the color of your skin that you decide not to practice your constitutional right? That is the reality for thousands of people across the country.
In the United States, 76.5% of the population is white, which means that many of our governmental leaders and policies are chosen by white people. With the 2020 presidential election quickly approaching, it is important that we educate the remaining 23.5% of the country, including African Americans, Asians, Hispanics and so on. In order to bring more minorities to the polls this coming November, it is vital that we create a more inclusive environment and make these groups feel that their voice means something because if they do not believe they can make a difference, they will not participate in the election.
There were several reports in the 2016 election that people of color in various states were turned away from the voting polls because they lacked the proper identification. Not only would being turned away be embarrassing for individuals, it would also make them feel less than compared to every other citizen who got to practice their voting rights. Racial groups believed these events to be an act of racism as they happened almost twice as frequently with African American and Hispanic people compared to white individuals. Furthermore, individuals from minority groups reported several instances where they were bothered at the polls by a white person. Such events would not only upset individuals in the moment, but they could also potentially prevent people from going back to the polls again.
(Image from: diverseeducation.com)
It is very important to get people from minority groups participating in the election to promote inclusion in our governmental leaders and policies. While white people make up the majority of the United States, there are still millions of African American, Hispanic, Asian, etc. people in this country and it is important that their ideologies are reflected in our government.
In order to get more minority people out to vote this coming November, it is necessary that voting polls have a welcoming and friendly environment where individuals do not feel judged based on the color of their skin. It is also essential that in the months leading up to the election, information is shared with everyone on what forms of identification are needed in order to vote. Overall, people need to feel comfortable voting in order for them to actually do so. How would you create a more welcoming environment to get more minority groups out to vote this year? Leave your solutions in the comments section.
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