Voting: A Civic Duty and Form of Resistance

By Chandler Cooks

For too long, the voices of Black voters have been overlooked, underestimated, and at times, suppressed. As someone on the front lines of civic engagement, I see firsthand how critical it is for Black communities to show up at the polls - not only because our votes matter, but because our democracy is at stake. Every election presents an opportunity to reshape policies and ensure that the issues important to us, such as economic justice, healthcare, and affordable housing, are not ignored.

The American Dream feels distant for many Black families. Whether it's access to fair housing, better schools, or safer neighborhoods, the barriers are high, and they are rooted in systemic inequality. Voting is one of the few tools we have to dismantle these barriers. When I speak to Black voters in the field, the message is always clear: we want change, and we are willing to fight for it. But the fight begins with the vote.

The data doesn't lie. We've seen what happens when our communities mobilize in large numbers. Elections can be decided by margins as small as a few handful of votes, and Black voters have consistently tipped the scales in critical races. But it's not just about showing up once every four years for a presidential election. It's about being involved in every election, from local school boards to the U.S. Senate. Every single vote counts, and every single vote has the power to shift the landscape for future generations.

Despite the power of our vote, we are still met with challenges. Disinformation campaigns, gerrymandering, and restrictive voter ID laws disproportionately impact Black voters. These tactics are meant to discourage us, but they can't break our spirit.

In Nevada, I've had the privilege of working with passionate individuals and organizations dedicated to protecting the vote. Through partnerships with the NAACP and other local groups, such as ACLU, Silver State Voices, and For Our Future, we are building an infrastructure of election protection, from training poll monitors to ensuring that voter suppression efforts are quickly addressed. We refuse to be silenced, and we refuse to let any obstacle stand in the way of our civic duty.

One of the most rewarding parts of my work has been the deep conversations with voters from our various phone banks, door-to-door canvassing, and voter education workshops. I've met incredible people who, despite personal challenges, are committed to engaging their families, friends, and neighbors in the democratic process. The shift in the Presidential nominees has sparked a contagious swarm of enthusiasm, especially among first-time voters who are realizing the impact they can have on the direction of our democracy.

This year, we are focusing on mobilizing the youth vote. Younger Black voters are often less engaged, not because they don't care, but because they don't always see how elections directly affect their lives. We are working to change that narrative. By meeting them where they are - whether that's online, in their barbershops and salons, or at their lounges and speakeasies - we are showing them that their vote is their voice.

The road ahead is not easy, but it is essential. As we approach the November 5th elections, I urge every Black voter to stand up and be counted. Our ancestors fought for this right, and it's our responsibility to honor that fight. Whether through early voting, absentee ballots, or showing up on Election Day, we must take action. The future of our communities depends on it.

Voting is not just a civic duty; it is a form of resistance against the systems that seek to oppress us. It is our way of saying we will not be silenced, we will not be ignored, and we will not be held back. Together, we can - and will - make a difference.

As I continue my work in Nevada, I remain hopeful. I am hopeful because I know that our collective efforts will lead to change. I am hopeful because I see the resilience of Black voters every day. And I am hopeful because I believe in the power of community. We have the power to shape the future, but it starts with a single vote. Let's not waste that power. Let's go ALL IN! Let's vote like our lives depend on it.

Chandler Cooks is a State Director in Nevada, working with the NAACP to mobilize Black voters.