Voting for president in the U.S. is a big deal—or at least, that’s how the media makes it seem. Every four years, we’re bombarded with campaign ads, endless debates, and non-stop commentary about who should lead our country. But here’s the thing: some people feel conflicted about voting, especially when they don’t fully trust the candidates or the promises they make. That would be me. It’s a strange place to be—wanting to participate in the democratic process but not buying into the hype.
Let’s talk about what voting really means and why, for me, it’s more about honoring my ancestors than believing in the candidates. For me and a lot of folks, voting isn’t necessarily about having faith in a candidate; it’s about understanding the bigger picture and choosing to participate anyway.
Yes, I voted Democrat. But I’m not emotional about what happened last week. And as a Black woman, I hung up my cape a long time ago. Did you know that if you don’t like either candidate, you can write in your choice when you opt for the paper ballot? I’ll be doing that going forward. I respect everyone’s right to make the choice that resonates with them. So arguing about how people voted is crazy to me. The amount of conflict I witnessed online between people in the days after the election was quite disheartening. Especially when I know that people will be onto the next distraction soon enough. But I digress.
Why I Don’t Trust Politicians
Politricks. That’s what I call it. Everybody has their own agenda, and I don’t trust any politician, period. There’s this idea that politicians will say whatever they need to get elected, often going back on promises or shifting their priorities once they’re in office. This lack of transparency makes it hard to believe any one candidate. And frankly, I have yet to see the government right past wrongs for Black communities across the nation.
I feel politicians are driven more by personal gain and party interests than by genuine concern for the people they serve. We’ve seen countless campaigns make grand promises, only for those promises to fade away once they hit the White House. It’s frustrating, and for some, it leads to a “why bother” mindset.
As a Black woman, retired veteran, and American citizen, I will always vote, even with my mistrust of ALL politicians. I research, check in with my conscience, then make my choice. Voting, for me, is about more than trusting a politician; it’s about recognizing the power and right that others fought to secure for me. Showing up, in this way, is part of the bigger picture.
Honoring the Fight for Voting Rights
If I feel this way about politicians, why vote at all? For me, the answer goes back to honoring the sacrifices of those who fought for the right to vote. Voting rights weren’t always a given, and that history is a powerful motivator for me.
Women were only granted the right to vote in 1920—a right that activists and suffragists fought for over decades. Black Americans, on the other hand, faced significant barriers to voting even after the Civil War and especially through the Jim Crow Era. It wasn’t until 1965, with the Voting Rights Act, that Black Americans were finally guaranteed the right to vote without discrimination. Those dates represent hard-won battles, ones that people before us fought courageously to achieve.
When I walk into that voting booth, it’s not necessarily about picking the “perfect” candidate. It’s about showing up for the people who couldn’t in the past. It’s a way of saying, “I see what you did, and I’m not letting it go to waste.” And because my spirituality involves ancestral veneration, I see voting as a significant way to honor my ancestors. This connection to history and the power of community keeps me grounded, reminding me that true change is driven not just by political leaders but by the resilience and unity within our communities.
Voting Isn’t About Being “Saved”
Let’s be real: no one is coming to save us, especially not a politician. There’s a certain freedom that comes from recognizing this truth. A lot of people go into an election hoping that their chosen candidate will fix things, make life easier, or solve all the big issues facing the country. While leaders can make changes, putting all our hopes on them can set us up for disappointment.
This isn’t about being cynical—it’s about being realistic. Real change comes from within our communities and within ourselves. Don’t believe in a candidate; believe in yourself. Don’t wait for them to rescue you because, last time I checked, the Most High has the last say. Believe in that. Voting is one piece of the puzzle, but there’s so much more to making a difference.
Whether your candidate is chosen or not, what are you doing to improve your life? Are you waiting for the next president to save you? Don’t let who’s in the White House matter so deeply. Don’t wait for the next stimulus checks or other breadcrumbs to hold your faith in government like a dangling carrot. Pay attention to what’s happening in the country and the world and prepare yourself and your family to be okay.
At the end of the day, we are the ones who can push forward, do the work, and build lives that reflect our values. Real change happens in our homes, neighborhoods, and communities. Whether it’s helping someone out, standing up for what you believe, or setting a positive example, it’s the collective impact of these actions that shape our future.
The Takeaway: Why Voting Matters (Even When It Doesn’t Feel Like It)
In the end for me, voting for president is a mix of honoring the past, standing in the present, and aiming for a better future—even if that future doesn’t rely solely on who’s in the White House. The policies that come out of the White House undoubtedly impact our daily lives, shaping everything from healthcare to education, jobs, the economy, and beyond. But while these policies are important, they shouldn’t define our sense of power or purpose. We can’t afford to be dependent on any administration for our security or well-being.
When you vote, you’re not just choosing a candidate; you’re claiming your place in history and carrying forward a legacy that others fought to secure. At the same time, real change is something we each have a hand in creating, regardless of who’s in the oval office. By getting involved locally, supporting causes that matter, and taking an active role in our communities, we empower ourselves to build the reality we want to see.
So, if you’re feeling frustrated with the political process, you’re not alone. But maybe the answer isn’t to give up entirely—it’s to show up for the reasons that matter to you. Voting is a step in the direction of progress, yet it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Whether it’s honoring your ancestors, showing resilience, or taking charge of your destiny, remember that you have the power to shape your world every day. Voting matters, but the most important belief isn’t in a candidate—it’s in yourself and your ability to create the life you want, regardless of who’s in the White House. Think for yourself and your family, and do what resonates with you.