Fighting For The Right To Vote

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Another candid video has surfaced of Cindy Hyde-Smith.

In a November 3rd campaign stop, the Senator can be heard telling supporters in Starkville that “There’s a lot of liberal folks in those other schools who, maybe we don’t want to vote. Maybe we want to make it a little more difficult. And, I think that’s a great idea.”

Her campaign says she was joking. Hyde Smith, herself, asks on social media, if it’s ok to still have a sense of humor. Her supporters agree. Her detractors say she is completely tone deaf.

The memories of those days are still vivid for a generation of Mississippians.

It because of the heart breaking struggle, that same generation will always vote.

“The harsh fact is that men and women are kept from voting simply because they are negro. Their cause should be our cause too,” said 36th United State President Lyndon B. Johnson.

President Johnson, more than 50 years ago, on the law that would allow all men and women a vote.

“So many people lost their lives for the vote some people were shot down before they even get to the polls but now we got the privilege to go and vote,” said Local pastor Joe Peoples.

Peoples remembers a time when voting was a privilege only few enjoyed, definitely not a right for all.

“We just didn’t have the privilege until 1964. Before then, they had what they called a poll tax. You would pay that. It would be two dollars then they would ask you a whole lot of questions. Maybe, how many marbles are in a bowl and all of that. To me, it didn’t make sense. I told my dad, when I was small, once I get grown I’m definitely going to pay that tax so I can vote. I know voting is important,” said Peoples.

Peoples grew up back then. He won’t forget the struggle. Peoples says he brings lessons from that time to show young folks, making your voice heard is worth fighting for.

“Here in Mississippi, was actually hard. You wanted to vote but couldn’t vote. So many of our others lost lives, some beaten, water hose, dogs sicced on them for this right. Now, I told the young people you’ve got the privilege, now you go and vote,” said Peoples.

Peoples says after seeing the sacrifice then, today you can always count on him casting a ballot in every election.

“We use too many excuses. I always say if you’re going to the doctor’s office you’re going to go. If you’re going to go to the bank, you’ll go through the rain and storm to go. It should be the same way with voting. If you don’t vote you don’t have any right to talk about anything if something doesn’t go like you want you’re the cause because you didn’t go vote,”said Peoples.

The run off election will be Tuesday, November 27th.