“Elections belong to the people. It’s their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.”
― Abraham LincolnIf you are like me and many other citizens, the election cannot come soon enough to put an end to the political ads on TV!
But, what if that was your main source of information? What if you did not read well enough to learn about candidates’ policies and platforms? What if reading a name on the ballot was hard and reading a referendum impossible? Then you would be like the more than 72,000 adults in Richmond, Henrico and Chesterfield who lack basic literacy skills.
Voting is an important right and responsibility in our society. By voting, we are make our voices heard and register our opinions on how we think the government should be run. Last year, in preparation for the national elections, The READ Center classes focused on making sure all students who wanted to vote were registered to do so. READ classes also held mock elections, debated issues and shared their opinions and thoughts. Not everyone agreed, but everyone had a voice. Here is a link to last winter’s READ Center Report Card with an article on the activities.
So, as we prepare to go to the polls next week to do our duty as citizens of a democracy, please remember it is our privilege and responsibility to do so. The READ Center encourages all citizens to vote next week and make your voices heard. Find your polling place here.
