18 Days to Go

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

In 2008, I taught at Lincoln University of PA, an archetypal HBCU, currently ranked in the top 30 % of such institutions.  The day after Barack Obama's election, students told me about what they faced when attempting to vote on campus.

Some were kept standing for more than eight hours in what appeared to be short lines.  Some were harassed by young white men in faux-Nazi uniforms.  Some were directed to voting sites that proved to be non-existent or not functioning.  Some were questioned, again by young white men, this time without the Gestapo-like gear but carrying clipboards, as to their party affiliation, and for which party's candidate they intended to vote.

Now fast-forward to October 2018.  While "only" a midterm, the upcoming election has a feel reminiscent of what my students experienced 10 years ago.  In recent days, we've documented efforts by Breitbart-ish Republicans to limit the ability to vote of those who disagree with the wingnut faction.  Undoubtedly, such exertions will continue till the polls close on the 6th.

I've already voted, by absentee ballot.  I didn't want my mobility issues to prevent my helping take back the House.  Hopefully, everyone reading this will vote, and help others to do so.