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These are not happy times in California, certainly not in the work force or in the education system. Californians have faced a multitude of obstacles recently; unemployment, poverty, education cuts, protests and police brutality, all due to a failing economy and mismanagement on the part of elected officials.

Every election season brings about a slew of “Rock the Vote” type campaigns to attract new voters and reengage disillusioned voters, splashy campaigns should be totally unnecessary.

If students can be motivated to protest , while sometimes putting their safety at risk, then they should be self-inspired to vote. As students, taxpayers, parents, protesters, educators, employers and Californians the simplest, non-violent and most effective way we can change the direction of our state is to vote.

Without question, the political process can be painfully slow and disappointing. Troubling and turbulent as these times may be, they do not compare with the times in our nation’s history when people had to fight for their right to vote.

The 15th Amendment to the Constitution of 1870 states the “right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude,” giving African-American men the right to vote.

“The promise of the 15th Amendment would not be fully realized for almost a century. Through the use of poll taxes, literacy tests and other means, Southern states were able to effectively disenfranchise African Americans,” according to the Library of Congress website. “It would take the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 before the majority of African Americans in the South were registered to vote.”

Not until 1911, just more than 100 years ago, did women win the right to vote, but only in California. The 19th amendment was not ratified until 1920, after a 57-year struggle, according to the League of Women Voters.

Many citizens for many years struggled just to win the right to vote. They encountered numerous setbacks, but they powered on in the hope that one day their voices might be reflected in public policy. How dare we insult their work with laziness and apathy? Many of us still would not have the right to vote were it not for their efforts.

If nothing else, history has taught us that there will always be some kind of struggle. Be grateful. Be inspired. Be heard. Be a part of your own solution. Be a voter.

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