Thomas Jefferson once said, “We do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.”
Many groups are trying to ensure that as many people as possible exercise their right to vote in this election.
The turnout this November could be pivotal in deciding the direction of the country.
“My first mission each and every time I encounter a resident is, ‘I want to ask them are you voting,’ because getting the right people in office is what’s going to get the change done,” Detroit Action canvasser Clark Washington Jr. said.
Detroit Action is a union of Black and brown people fighting for economic and social justice.
Recently, Local 4 followed Washington as he knocked on doors in Redford Township to remind people about the election on Nov. 5.
“It could be the vote that changes everything. So that’s what we voice each and every time. We don’t care who they vote for. Voting is the important part,” Washington said.
Detroit Action sent out dozens of canvassers daily to communities in the Detroit area.
Executive director Scott Holiday said the organization wants to boost participation in our democracy.
“This canvassing program is unique in that we are not holding up a candidate as the answer, like a savior candidate, but rather like aligning values and talking to people around values and issues,” Holiday said.
Washington, who describes him as a people person, has perfected his pitch over the years to change the hearts and minds of people who don’t plan to vote.
“If after a conversation with me, I can change that, and they’re more inspired to fight and make sure they’re going to vote, and not only that, get their whole family to vote, then I know I’m doing my part, and that’s what I work for every day,” he said.