Why we vote

Rep. Andre Carson Early voting in Indianapolis is open now until Nov. 4. Voting is easier than ever, but we can’t forget what it took to get us here — and how far we still have to go. It’s no secret that many Americans are disillusioned with politics and believe their vote doesn’t matter. When Black voters engage, our electorate is powerful. The number of Black eligible voters is up 7% from 2020, with 34.4 million voters. That amounts to 14% of the total U.S. electorate. Right now, you are likely being inundated on television, the radio and social media with information about the election. It can be overwhelming and tiring. But we can’t tune it out, and we must turn out our vote and make our voices heard. For decades and persisting today, those in power have attempted to silence our vote and our voices. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was landmark legislation prohibiting racial discrimination in voting against Black Americans. It was paid for in blood and bruises that we must never forget or take for granted. Especially because threats to the right to vote persist today — particularly for Black Americans. Between Jan. 1 and May...