I have heard too many people say, “I don’t vote because nothing ever changes, so why bother.” That is precisely why you need to vote. Nothing will change or get better if the same people with the same philosophy of self-interest keep winning. We need people who sincerely want to help their constituents and not people who for their own job security and positions of power continue to support a president who has his own personal agenda.

The president has been using taxpayer money to fund political advertisements that denigrate the minority party. He claims these are public service announcements which they most certainty are not. This is in addition to his using taxpayer money to fund his ballroom, to twice renovate the reflecting pool, to build his triumphal arch and to implement other self-glorifying projects. He is defying judges’ orders that his actions are unconstitutional and should be stopped.

Do we really want the American taxpayer to pay for these things even although Trump never got prior approval from Congress and/or the Judicial branch which is stated in the Constitution? He is using his position as president to personally enrich himself and his family while the most marginalized and lower-income individuals are having a harder time paying for their most basic needs.

The president’s grandiose ideas, his subsequent actions including the very unpopular Iran War and his tariffs have created higher prices overall. The most significant are higher gas prices, higher food prices and higher utility and housing costs.

At the same time, he has eliminated the ACA supplemental benefits which has resulted in many people unable to afford medical insurance. He has made it more difficult for lower-income people to receive SNAP food assistance. More cuts and restrictions are planned to take place after the midterms.

Trump is trying to put as many obstacles in place to prevent the minority party from gaining additional seats in Congress and in significant positions in state and local governments. The minority party is already involved in legal lawsuits to prevent this from happening. An overview of what Trump is attempting to do is:

• Casting doubt on election integrity via disinformation to justify nationalizing elections.
• Weaponizing the federal government by installing election deniers in key government positions.
• Gutting key government agencies and firing essential personnel.
• Weaponizing federal databases and dismantling personal voter information from states to track or purge voters.
• Issuing unconstitutional executive orders to limit voter access.
• Pressuring Congress to pass legislation that would suppress eligible voters.
• Limiting voting by mail.
• Preventing some states from using voting equipment.
• Diluting voters’ power through mid-decade gerrymandering.
• Using the Department of Justice and Homeland Security to intimidate election administrators.
• Deploying the military and/or federal agents to interfere with the elections
• Declaring a national emergency to take over or postpone elections
• Interfering with issuance of state election certificates or pressuring the U.S. Senate or House of Representatives to block seating of duly elected members.

How do we counter these extremely negative and harmful actions? Vote! Each and every vote is needed for the United States to remain a free democracy.

I have heard too many people say, “I don’t vote because nothing ever changes, so why bother.” That is precisely why you need to vote. Nothing will change or get better if the same people with the same philosophy of self-interest keep winning. We need people who sincerely want to help their constituents and not people who for their own job security and positions of power continue to support a president who has his own personal agenda.

Other concerns are when people say, “I’m not registered, or I don’t have transportation or I’m afraid I will be harassed.” You can still register and vote the same day during early voting. Call the Board of Elections (704-216-8140, M-F, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) to verify the documentation needed to register, the schedule for early voting and/or that you will need transportation.

If you are scared for any reason don’t go to the polls alone. Go with friends or someone you trust. Voting is available on Sunday, Oct 25, from 1 to 5 p.m. Some of the local churches participate in “Souls to the Polls” which provides transportation. Many friendly people will be there who support voting rights for all people regardless of skin color, ethnicity, gender or religious beliefs.

Your vote matters more than ever. Your participation matters more than ever. The only way to ensure that our democracy continues to exist is to be involved and to vote.