Former President Barack Obama is reminding Americans it is crucial not only to vote but to vote early if they want to make sure they participate in the upcoming presidential election.
In a video released by The Shade Room, a Black-owned media company, Obama warned Americans if they do not cast their votes, they could face another four years of Trump.
“Right now, from the White House on down, folks are working to keep people from voting, especially communities of color. That’s because there’s a lot at stake in this election. Not just our pandemic response or racial justice, but our democracy itself,” Obama said.
He added, “So, it’s more important than ever to make your voice heard. We can’t leave anything to chance.”
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He urged voters to visit iwillvote.com and make a plan to vote early and advise friends and family to do the same.
“Now is the time to fight for what we believe in. Let’s go out and win this thing,” Obama said.
Obama has criticized Trump and Republicans in office in the past for their attempts to dissuade Americans from voting, as IJR previously reported.
“Even as we sit here, there are those in power who are doing their darndest to discourage people from voting by closing polling locations and targeting minorities and students with restrictive ID laws and attacking our voting rights with surgical precision,” Obama said during his tribute to Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) in July.
He went on, “Even undermining the postal service in the run-up to an election that’s going to be dependent on mail-in ballots so people don’t get sick.”
Obama doubled down on his message to voters during the Democratic National Convention in August, as IJR previously reported.
He explained Trump and Republicans in office are “counting on your cynicism” because “they can’t win you over with their policies.”
“We can’t let that happen. Do not let them take away your power. Don’t let them take away your democracy,” he said.
