Message to Obama supporters: What you can do now

By Earnest Gates 

Recently I wrote about how the Republican Party has used voter suppression methods to prevent Democratic supporters from voting. I will now tell you what you can do to make sure that doesn’t happen this time.

First, you can make sure you are registered to vote and others that you know are registered as well. Don’t wait until a month before the election; you need to check your registration status now!

Secondly, make sure that you don’t sign any petitions unless you see in writing exactly what you are signing. This technique has been used to register individuals as Republicans who have voted Democrat without their knowledge.

Thirdly, contact the local elections department to make sure that there will be enough voting machines in county wide election locations on Election Day and for early voting.

Speaking of early voting, make sure everyone you know knows that they can vote early to prevent having to wait in line on election day. Election day will be extremely hectic and you don’t want to get caught up if you can avoid it.

Next, learn about the Supreme Court. It has been said that the next president may have the opportunity to appoint as many as three Supreme Court justices. Those that will be retiring have kept the votes close on important issues. If John McCain is elected the court will become very conservative and this could effect civil rights legislation for the next 3 or 4 decades. Remember, these are lifetime appointments.

Lastly, know where Senator Obama stands on the issues. Go to his website and familiarize yourself with his policy issues so you can put them in your own words. This election is too important to leave it to chance or arrogance.

Lets take care of these things now and I will let you know more as we get closer to the election.