Guyanese Americans should vote in mid-term elections

Dear Editor,

Tuesday is mid-term elections for Congress as well as many state and local elections. Guyanese Americans are urged to vote. Early voting commenced last week in most states and will continue daily till this Sunday, meaning they can go to appropriate voting centers and cast their ballots before Election Day. If not, Nov 3 is the day.

Every community, every ethnic group in the US faces a defining moment to shape its future. For the vibrant and growing Guyanese American diaspora — deeply rooted in vibrant hubs across New York, Florida, Minnesota, Illinois, Georgia, South Carolina, New Jersey, Connecticut, and elsewhere, their vote is critical. They could make a difference in battleground states and districts on who or which party wins. In this election, voting is more than a civic formality. It has become an essential tool for self-preservation in USA, self-determination, community protection, resources, and ensuring that our unique voice echoes loudly in the halls of state and American power.

For decades, generations since the 1960s, Guyanese Americans have not exercised their franchise in significant numbers based on studies and political activism (get out the vote drives) conducted by this writer. They have woven themselves into the fabric of American society, celebrate traditional American holidays and festivals like Halloween, Thanksgiving, birthdays of Presidents, Veterans Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, etc. From small business owners and healthcare workers to educators, accountants, doctors, nurses, engineers, public servants, other professionals, Guyanese communities all over the country contribute immensely to the economic vitality and cultural richness of the US. However, economic contribution without political participation leaves their interests vulnerable. They don’t vote in large numbers; just about half show up at polling stations, resulting in defeats of candidates from their community in NY. With their presence and interests under threat, they seem to show a keen interest in voting in this year’s midterm. Usually, mid-terms see a turnout rate of about 30%; Presidential elections just over 55%. This year could see a mid-term turnout approaching 50%.

Mid-term elections dictate the balance of power in Congress, shaping policies that directly impact immigrant families, small business tax structures, healthcare access, and immigration reform. When Guyanese Americans and other immigrant communities turn out in high numbers, they signal to lawmakers and the President as well as state governments that their community cannot be overlooked. High voter turnout ensures that elected officials pay attention to issues concerning family reunification, equitable immigration pathways, green cards, citizenship, assistance to and protection for Guyana, other foreign policy matters that foster strong, cooperative ties between the United States and Guyana.

Guyanese Americans must come out to vote in their numbers to show interests in protecting community interests in USA and in Guyana.