History of voting!

Summary

In this thought-provoking script, Perez Hilton addresses the alarming fact that more Americans engage with Facebook and watch the Super Bowl than exercise their right to vote. The narrative takes us through the historical struggle for voting rights, from property-owning white men to the eventual inclusion of all men, women, and the reduction of the voting age to 18. It emphasizes the importance of participation in shaping the country's future, highlighting key issues such as war, spending, and social rights. The message is clear: if we don't vote, we allow others to decide for us.

Takeaways

• 🗳️ The United States has a history of people not exercising their right to vote as much as they engage with social media or watch sports events.
• 🏛️ The first U.S. election was held after the fight for independence, which allowed the country to make its own laws instead of being ruled by a king.
• 🚫 Initially, only white male property owners were allowed to vote, excluding a large portion of the population.
• 🔄 After the Civil War, slavery was abolished and all men were granted the right to vote, but many obstacles were still put in place to prevent them from exercising this right.
• 💡 The Voting Rights Act was a significant milestone that outlawed discriminatory practices aimed at preventing certain groups from voting.
• 👩‍💼 Women had to fight for their right to vote, organizing and lobbying state by state until they achieved nationwide suffrage.
• 🔝 The voting age was once 21, but protests and activism led to the lowering of the voting age to 18, allowing young people to have a say in the government's decisions.
• 🌟 Young people's votes have been pivotal in many elections, such as in 2008 when a black candidate had a real chance to become president.
• 🌐 Voting is a powerful tool to decide on critical issues like war, spending, rights, and laws, and it's up to individuals to participate and shape the future.
• 📣 If people choose not to vote, they allow others to make decisions that may not align with their interests or values.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the script?

The main issue discussed in the script is the lack of voter participation in the United States, despite the historical struggle and progress made to secure voting rights for various groups.

Why were only certain groups allowed to vote in the first elections after the United States gained independence?

Initially, only white male property owners were allowed to vote because societal norms and laws at the time restricted voting rights based on race, gender, and wealth.

How did the Civil War impact voting rights in the United States?

The Civil War led to the abolition of slavery, and subsequently, the passage of the 15th Amendment granted all men, regardless of race, the right to vote.

What obstacles were placed to prevent newly enfranchised voters from exercising their voting rights?

To prevent newly enfranchised voters from voting, those in power implemented obstacles such as literacy tests and poll taxes to maintain their control.

What was the Voting Rights Act and why was it significant?

The Voting Rights Act was a landmark legislation that outlawed discriminatory voting practices aimed at preventing African Americans from exercising their right to vote, thus ensuring more equitable access to the ballot.

Why did women have to fight for their right to vote?

Women had to fight for their right to vote because they were initially excluded from voting rights granted to men, leading to a movement for women's suffrage that eventually resulted in the 19th Amendment.

How did the age requirement for voting change over time?

Originally, the voting age was 21 in most states, but after protests from young people who were drafted for military service despite not having a say in political decisions, the 26th Amendment lowered the voting age to 18.

What role have young people played in recent elections?

Young people have played a crucial role in recent elections, with their votes being influential in determining outcomes, such as the 2008 election where a record number of young voters supported a black candidate for president.

What is the significance of voting according to the script?

Voting is significant because it allows individuals to participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives, such as war, spending, rights, and laws, ensuring that the government represents the will of the people.

What is the call to action presented in the script?

The script calls for individuals to participate in voting to ensure their voices are heard and to shape the future according to their values and interests, rather than letting others decide for them.