Republicans have consistently done their best to rig elections in their favor, often at the expense of black voters. If itβs not racially biased gerrymandering itβs closing polling stations in predominately black neighborhoods. Despite their best efforts, one Texas man would not be deterred from exercising his right to vote.
Houston Public Media reports that Hervis Rogers waited six hours to cast the last vote at Texas Southern University. He arrived shortly before 7 p.m. after having already left two packed polling stations. Rogers works two jobs and had to be at work at 6 the next morning. His wait would see him casting the last vote at TSU at 1 am. Rogers told reporters while waiting in line:
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βIt is insane but itβs worth it. I mean, I wouldnβt feel right if I didnβt vote. I feel like itβsβ I voice my opinion, but it donβt feel right if I donβt vote. So I said, βIβm going to take a stand and vote. It might make a difference.ββ
Rogersβ actions were admirable but voting shouldnβt be a herculean act of endurance. Long wait times were reported at numerous polling stations in Harris County, Texas. This comes in the wake of a report that revealed Texas shut down hundreds of polling stations in areas with predominately black and Latinx communities. If the distance doesnβt deter folks from voting, the hope is that the long lines will. Rogers himself even considered leaving at one point. Eventually, he simply decided, βIt wouldnβt make no sense for me to walk away now. Iβm already here. Itβs go with the flow.β
Iβm happy to see a person take their responsibility to vote so seriously, especially amidst that current clusterfuck that is the Trump administration. I simply wish that it wasnβt such an effort for voters to exercise their rights.
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