Don’t let anyone silence you

Recent changes to the way we will cast ballots in Collin County have caused some serious consternation and distress in McKinney. As you may know, the county commissioners, all Republicans of course, have voted to change the method of voting from electronic machines to paper ballots that must be filled in by hand. 

We’ve gone backwards from fast, efficient, reliable technology to time-consuming, inefficient, error-prone pens and paper. The intent is obvious, regardless of what the commissioners say. It’s a blatant and undisguised effort to suppress the right to vote.

I can imagine a conversation like this taking place in the near future: 

Person one: “Hey, did you vote?”

Person two: “Nah, it’s takes too long to vote.”

Person one: “But, it’s important to vote.”

Person two: “If it’s so important, then why are they making it so hard?”

Person one: “Voting is our right and our duty.”

Person two: “My one vote won’t count, so why would I put myself through the misery?”

All of us should have a plan to vote, and along with our photo ID, we should all carry a great big dose of patience. Your vote is your voice, don’t let anyone silence you!  

And, speaking of voting, please be aware that there is an election next month on amendments to the state constitution.

In Texas, constitutional amendment elections are often buried in off-years when turnout is dismal. That is exactly how the GOP likes it because when turnout is low, the wealthy, the well-connected, and the extremists win by default.

There are 17 proposed amendments on the ballot this year, and some of them are designed to help all Texans, whereas others are designed to either help the wealthy or add to the noise, confusion and chaos that Republicans use to further their aims.

Find out when and where to vote, as well as voting recommendations from the Collin County Democratic Party’s executive committee. 

In solidarity,

Erin Sutka

President, McKinney Area Democratic Club