VOTER REGISTRATION INITIATIVE
A lot is happening in our world right now. The Board of Directors of the Springfield & Central Illinois African American History Museum (AAHM) has been moved by the massive, diverse crowds protesting for justice and are inspired to do something. Have you thought about what you can do to help the cause and make your voice heard? There are so many issues that need to be addressed. How do you pick one and focus on that? How can we impact positive change in our community?
Know Your History
Independence Day, July 4th was just celebrated by many. In 1776, on July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress declared that the thirteen American colonies were no longer subject (and subordinate) to the monarch of Britain, King George III, and were now united, free, and independent states. That Declaration of Independence did not free enslaved Africans or give White women equal rights.
In 1870 the 15th Amendment passed and 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.” It wasn’t until the 19th Amendment to the constitution that passed in 1920 that specifically gave women “equal” rights to vote as men
Even after these Constitutional Amendments were passed, access to voting became something to fight for, not a granted right. Voter suppression was prevalent throughout our country and became the way to keep our voices from being heard. In 2020, many states are still practicing various means and methods of voter suppression. Illinois is not one of those states. You can vote early. You can vote absentee ballot and you can request a mail-in ballot. You have no excuse.
Thanks to AARP for the census information and continued support.
All the voter registration events listed below will be held at the Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum, 1440 Monument Avenue, Springfield, Illinois 62702.
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