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Hey, Dope Moms. The 2024 election season has begun. You may not follow politics closely, but it is important to be informed about what to expect in the 2024 election. Your vote as a mother is a powerful tool that will help shape the lives and futures of your children.
Black families' relationships with voting have been varied, especially since we were barred from voting through the poll tax that was struck down in 1964 and the Voting Rights Act, which was passed in 1965. 1965 is only two generations ago, meaning we all know people who were alive during that time period. Whether it be your parents, grandparents, aunts, or uncles, this fight for our right to vote and its success after much effort gave black people pride in voting.
Since the right was given to us, we have been eager to vote because we have experienced so many obstacles to voting, and it was our right. Unfortunately, we quickly learned through voting that when one obstacle falls, five more pop up. What good is voting when none of the candidates have your best interest at heart? What good is voting when those you vote for in office contribute to laws and policies that further hinder you?
While this type of relationship with voting was developing, we experienced a great hope that felt like it rose through the ashes when Barack Obama ran for President. That felt like one of the pivotal moments we saw our ancestors' wildest dreams coming true. A Black President! When President Obama won in 2008, most black people celebrated collectively. We thought we had now achieved the highest office in the land; surely, things will get better for us. But remember, when one obstacle falls, five more pop up.
President Obama was not able to transform life for black people in the way we thought he could. Firstly, there was too much history to be undone. There was no way two terms as President could transform hundreds of years of oppressive policies and laws. He had many opponents on his side and the side of his opposition. I believe that his inability to make policies happen that had long-term lasting impacts on black people the way we envisioned led to this new era of elections. One that feels like we always have to choose between two terrible options.
This has led some people not to exercise their right to vote. They feel that no one deserves their vote, so they abstain. While this absence feels like the best option, it really allows the more polarizing candidate supporters to show up and outvote the other candidate. Let's talk more about the election process so you know what is happening, when and where you can plug in to find out more and then exercise your right to
With this information, how do we, as moms, make an informed decision? We first must understand the process. Last spring, candidates registered with the Federal Election Commission to run for President. During this time, they also announced that they were running. From January to July of the election year, states hold primary elections to determine candidates for the general election in November.
During the summer of the election year the primary and caucus candidates conduct debates. Just recently President Joe Biden agreed to have a debate with Former President Donald Trump with the caveat that it not be in front of a live audience but televised only. The first debate will air on June 27 on CNN, while the second on September 10 on ABC News. Watching these debates will allow citizens to hear where the candidates stand on the issues presented to them to debate.
While candidates prepare for elections, parties hold nominating conventions to decide on the candidate they will support. This takes place between July and September of the election year. Then, we prepare for the big day. Election day for 2024 is November 5, 2024. Fun fact: That doesn't conclude the process. In December, the electors of the Electoral College vote for President, and in early January, Congress counts the votes from the Electoral College. The new or returning President is inaugurated on January 20.
