‘Abysmal’ voter turnout lacks excuse

While I was a student at Howard Law School, I had the privilege of participating in our study abroad program in Capetown, South Africa. While studying at the University of the Western Cape (which has a similar history of social and political activism such as Howard University), I had the occasion to meet some of the most fascinating people that I have ever encountered. What made the folks so amazing was their resilience and determination in overcoming the oppression of government-sanctioned apartheid. There was a kindred spirit and connection between our struggles here in the U.S., especially the civil rights movement, and their quest to attain full citizenship.

I participated in the [county’s District 5] special election on April 1, where there was an abysmal turnout of about 7 percent. There are approximately 40,000 registered voters in the district and roughly 3,000 participated. I have heard every excuse imaginable to justify this pathetic turnout, the weather was bad, folks just don’t participate in special elections, we just voted in the presidential primary and now you are asking us to vote again. I must admit that I find all of these excuses lacking any merit considering the sacrifices that those who came before us made. I personally sent five mailers, flooded the district with signs, door knocked on over 6,000 doors, made phone calls, ran television commercials (I know that at least two of my opponents made similar efforts).What is most troubling is the fact that the county spent about $1 million to conduct this special election, which was triggered by the death of local civil rights icon state Sen. Gwendolyn Britt.

I personally do not consider voting to be a right or a privilege but a duty! Anyone who does not fulfill this obligation is disgracing the legacy of Dr. King. A non-vote ultimately is a vote. It signals a lack of interest in how your local tax dollars are being allocated. It signals a lack of interest in the education of our county’s children and the construction of new schools. It signals a lack of interest in developing innovative methods to combat violent crime. This is a sad commentary for the nation’s most educated and affluent African-American county.

Yes, I adamantly believe that Dr. King’s legacy has been disgraced and will continue to be disgraced as long as we don’t become active and engaged citizens. We must become active and engaged on all levels whether it is your local PTA, homeowners’ association, mentoring in the school system, writing to your local newspaper or elected official about what is going on in your community. Hopefully, we won’t lose talented leaders who are willing to serve the community because the community isn’t interested in the political process.

Dr. King led a movement 50 years ago, and I believe Prince George’s County desperately needs a movement. Hopefully all of Dr. King’s works won’t be in vain.

Adrion Howell, Glenn Dale