OP-ED: Combating voter fatigue and safeguarding mental health during civic engagement

By Amanda Wilkerson

AMPLIFYING THE POWER OF BLACK WOMEN VOTERS

In the past, the start of the presidential election season was a rallying cry for civic participation, particularly resonant for African Americans who secured voting rights only a few decades ago. Yet, in today's political climate, there's a notable exhaustion among voters and a stark divide in civic engagement across generations. The anticipation of elections is marred by voter apathy and the consequential impact of election results on different demographic groups. Modern political tactics such as mobile texts and social media discourse only intensify this growing sense of voter fatigue.

It is crucial to navigate the election whirlwind without faltering, given the pivotal role this year's election will play in upholding American democracy. This is especially true for Black female voters, who have historically led the charge for their communities and the very essence of democracy. To address this challenge, I present three tactics that can help Black women voters avoid succumbing to the pressures of voter fatigue.

THE HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

The historical significance of the presidential election season as a catalyst for civic engagement, especially for African Americans gaining voting rights, cannot be overstated. For many years, Black people were not born with inalienable rights in this country; they had to fight to access the rights that others secured through their birthright. Presently, after many years of being the vanguards of securing those rights, voter exhaustion has set in. This exhaustion has little to do with the act of voting itself and more with the disappointment of seeing minimal change in their life circumstances despite their votes.

Further, the call to vote regardless falls short of addressing the quiet storm brewing among voters questioning the tangible impact of their participation. Voter apathy and the varied impacts of election outcomes on different demographic groups, exacerbated by contemporary political tactics, have become problems worth serious consideration.

THE IMPORTANCE OF NAVIGATING ELECTION FATIGUE

Despite this fatigue, it is crucial not to let it hinder our ability to vote. Elections are a way to safeguard current rights amid political and policy challenges. Diminished engagement can harm the Black community by reducing elected officials' responsiveness to our concerns, be they health, education or environmental quality. Participating in democracy comes with the responsibility to preserve the power we have fought for.

STRATEGIES TO COMBAT VOTER FATIGUE

So what should we do? Instead of merely posing this question, we must consider actions within the context of credible information, targeted activism and meaningful dialogue. Listening to the news, I heard reporters claim that Black voters might not turn out because they are unsure why Kamala Harris, a woman of color and a symbol of progress, faces challenges in leading the nation in a way that resonates with their lived experiences. This kind of commentary speaks less to the problems we want addressed in our communities and more to campaigners' strategies for winning our votes. Are they considering the quality of our children's schools, the cost of post-secondary education or the rising price of groceries? Securing our vote by focusing on who we vote for rather than why is problematic.

As a tactic, we must prioritize listening to information that addresses our concerns and how elected officials, like Vice President Harris, will respond to them. Turnout is a campaign tool, but we need to focus on how officials will govern. Consuming credible information from reliable sources is crucial to staying informed. Many times, voters are inundated with information persuading them to vote, but it is equally important to receive information that educates us about issues critical to us.

Another tactic is to engage in activism. Some of us have become overly reliant on being told who to vote for. Get active: what resonates with you? Whose position aligns with your concerns? Once you can answer these questions, volunteer to effect change, placing yourself at the center of that change.

Lastly, fostering community connections is essential. Build networks with like-minded individuals, share experiences and resources and engage in dialogues addressing concerns and potential solutions. Fatigue sets in when we become complacent with our rights, so active civic engagement is vital.

EMBRACING OUR ROLE IN SHAPING DEMOCRACY

In November, the political landscape will open up for voters across the country, especially within our community. Whether voting for city and county commissioners, state legislators or the next president, our vote is crucial. We cannot afford to be lethargic with voting. Black women, as vanguards committed to ensuring the success of our people, must consider the powerful tactics shared here. Engage actively to shape the future of democracy by overcoming fatigue and participating fully in the electoral process. Together, let's lead the charge and make our voices heard, ensuring that our communities thrive and our rights are protected.

Amanda Wilkerson, Ed.D., an assistant professor at the University of Central Florida, excels in blending academic excellence with social advocacy. Her research, focused on K-20 student achievement, aims to elevate the human condition. With many peer-reviewed publications and editorial contributions to leading presses like Springer's Palgrave Macmillan, her influence is profound.

A Florida A&M University alumna, she holds a bachelor's in political science and a master’s in applied social sciences. Wilkerson has secured significant research grants, including one from the National Science Foundation, to study the political socialization of Black youth at HBCUs.