Mike Davis’ poll tax post highlights how recent American Democracy really is for some of us

Mike Davis of Dallas Progress posts and interesting historical find on his blog. Mike’s mother-in-law came across a poll tax receipt from a post municipal election. Here’s what Mike had to say in his post titled A Piece of History.

My Mother-in-law found her receipt from 1963. This was when she voted for Dallas Mayor and City Council (click for a larger image view). This was one of the last elections that required a poll tax in Dallas.

Mike’s look back makes us realize that we cannot take voting for granted. Black folks who don’t believe in the power of the vote should exercise their right just for respect of those who couldn’t. It’s so important that we preserve this artifacts to remember the fortotten legacy that African-Americans have forged in this country.