Summary:
Democrats are becoming increasingly concerned about a possible drop in Black voter turnout for the 2024 presidential election, according to party insiders. The worries arise from a 10% decrease in Black voter turnout in the 2022 midterms compared to 2018, a more substantial decline than any other racial or ethnic group, as per a Washington Post analysis. The decline was particularly significant among younger and male Black voters in crucial states like Georgia, where Democrats aim to mobilize Black voter support for President Biden in 2024.
The Democratic party has acknowledged the need to bolster their outreach efforts to this demographic. W. Mondale Robinson, founder of the Black Male Voter Project, highlighted the need for Democrats to refocus their attention on Black male voters, who have shown lower levels of engagement. In response, Biden’s team has pledged to communicate more effectively about the benefits that the Black community has reaped under Biden’s administration, according to Cedric L. Richmond, a senior advisor at the Democratic National Committee.
However, Black voter advocates have identified deep-seated issues affecting Black voter turnout. Many Black men reportedly feel detached from the political process and uninspired by both parties’ policies. Terrance Woodbury, CEO of HIT Strategies, a polling firm, suggests that the Democratic party’s focus on countering Trump and Republican extremism doesn’t motivate younger Black men as much as arguments focused on policy benefits. Concerns are growing within the party that if they fail to address these issues, disenchanted Black voters might either abstain or, potentially, be swayed by Republican messaging on certain key issues.
Voting third party demonstrably does not change the system, at least in the US. Correct me if I’m wrong but I can’t think of any voter reform legislation that’s been actually advanced by third parties. Just one example, ranked Choice Voting in Maine wasn’t caused by third party candidates in office, it was a ballot initiative. And not to simp for corporate scumbags, but least the Democrats support the Voting Rights Act and oppose closing voting stations in black neighborhoods.
Voting for a compromise is voting for one’s best interest for a lot of people. If the options are vote for harm, vote for harm reduction, or vote for someone who will not win, at least the people I know in marginalized communities vote for harm reduction. Because for a lot of them, the consequence of a conservative government is immediate real threats to their safety.
