In 5 years of activism in the city of Houston, I have repeatedly heard the following statements:
"I wouldn't worry about the minorities. They don't turn out for city elections."
(as if local government is below the minority radar)
"The blacks will vote for the blacks; they always do."
(as if educated voters are more scarce within the minority community)
"Not enough people vote on the Northside, and campaign money is better spent where they've got higher turnout."
(meaning your voting area will be overlooked, not only during campaign-time, but well after the election)
"Latinos don't vote."
(which means they won't cater to the Latino community's concerns if they feel they're not getting a vote out of it)
"People just don't care."
(as if the education of our children, the safety of our communities, and the general quality of life does not matter to us)
The best way to shut up the haters is to PROVE THEM WRONG!
It's as easy as ABC!
ASK questions
BE informed
CREATE discussion
then
VOTE.
"I wouldn't worry about the minorities. They don't turn out for city elections."
(as if local government is below the minority radar)
"The blacks will vote for the blacks; they always do."
(as if educated voters are more scarce within the minority community)
"Not enough people vote on the Northside, and campaign money is better spent where they've got higher turnout."
(meaning your voting area will be overlooked, not only during campaign-time, but well after the election)
"Latinos don't vote."
(which means they won't cater to the Latino community's concerns if they feel they're not getting a vote out of it)
"People just don't care."
(as if the education of our children, the safety of our communities, and the general quality of life does not matter to us)
The best way to shut up the haters is to PROVE THEM WRONG!
It's as easy as ABC!
ASK questions
BE informed
CREATE discussion
then
VOTE.
-NHV Team