Hate, Violence and Voting of USA
The headlines are frightening. Hate crimes are increasing and there seems to be a new empowerment in our society that allows this to grow. It seems that our country is trying to become the bastion of hate instead of the worlds symbol of freedom.
We see it in most aspects of our lives. We are losing trust in our police who have suddenly become aggressors instead of protectors, our politicians lie about having a plan and continually drive a wedge between normal citizens hoping to divide and conquer to stay in power. There doesn’t seem to be a solution and the minorities in the United States, must live under the threat of increasing violence.
What can we do?
First, we are not powerless, the politicians of both parties need to be accountable to our needs, not the needs of business or donors. We must elect representation that serves the common man. If we make a mistake, then remove the person the next term. A house member only serves for 2 years, a senator serves for 6 years. That is enough time to look at the voting records and see if they are representing you or their own interest.
It all comes Down to Voting.
Every year almost 1 million people are eligible to become citizens. These new voters can make a difference, unfortunately while they do tend to vote more than many groups in America, it isn’t that much more significant. Another factor is there are hundreds of thousands of people that are eligible for citizenship that do not apply.
We spend a lot of energy getting people to the poles and registering eligible citizens to vote. Yet there are millions of people here that have no representation that could. In 2020 the United States ranked 24th among developed democracies in voter participation.
There are several resources to help those eligible for citizenship and we all need to promote them. The USICS site itself has all the forms and instructions to fill them out. Websites like www.citizenstests.com offer practice exams as well as the questions. www.citizenstests.com goes even further and has a video of each question and answer, so it can be heard in English or compared in several other languages.
The only way to participate in our government and enjoy all that our society has to offer is to choose those that represent you. Hold them accountable and if they do not meet the needs of everyone choose another person. Run for office yourself, participate in campaigns, above all your single vote makes a difference.
What Benefits are there in Voting.
Voting in the United States is a privilege guaranteed by the Constitution. It is an essential part of not only the history of this country, but voting is also the most important way an individual citizen can participate in our government. Each citizen decides what they feel is the best way to meet their own needs.
Compared to non-voters, voters are more likely to volunteer, contact their elected officials, and stay informed about local affairs. To learn more about the benefits of voting, see our full “Benefits of Voting” resource here.
Advantages of Voting.
Choose the person that represents you.
Every citizen has a chance to vote for the person that best matches their feelings and needs. Every election local or federal has one thing in common. Each citizen can choose who represents them. Local representatives, judges, police officials, mayors, councilmen, school boards, even the dog catcher. In federal elections you are limited to Senate and House Representatives that appoint the similar positions.
Every year almost 1 million people are eligible to become citizens. These new voters can make a difference, unfortunately while they do tend to vote more than many groups in America, it isn’t that much more significant. Another factor is there are hundreds of thousands of people that are eligible for citizenship that do not apply.
Pass or Repeal laws.
There are frequently situations in your community that require changes to laws, new laws or repealing laws. Voting allows you to express your opinion and say yes or no.
Taxes. Let’s not forget about taxes.
Taxes especially at the local and state level need your approval to become effective. Whether it’s renewing a school levy or building new roads or bridges voting is the only way to help make the decision.
There are several requirements for voting and they vary in each state.
Voter Requirements.
- Citizenship, You must be a citizen to participate in voting. This pertains to all elections local, state, or federal.
2. Age, You must be 18 years of age.
3. Restrictions. There are restrictions that are regulated by your state government. Residence, felony convictions, and other restrictions can be applied.
4. Registration. Controlled by each state a voter must register with local election officials and vote in the location they are assigned.
That’s it 4 easy steps. So, if you are a citizen and haven’t voted register. If you are eligible to become a citizen, do it and start participating in your government. It’s easier now than ever with learning websites like www.citizenstests.com to help you learn and pass the test.
