Coming Tuesday November 3 is mid-term elections for Congress as well as many state and local elections. Guyanese, Trini and other immigrant Americans are urged to vote. Early voting commenced last week in most states and will continue daily till this Sunday, meaning they can go to appropriate voting centers and cast their ballots before Election Day. If not, Nov 3 is the day.
Every community, every ethnic group in the US faces a defining moment to shape its future. For the vibrant and growing Guyanes, Trini, Indian American diaspora — deeply rooted in vibrant hubs across New York, Florida, Minnesota, Illinois, Georgia, South Carolina, New Jersey, Connecticut, and elsewhere, their vote is critical. They could make a difference in battleground states and districts on who or which party wins. In this election, voting is more than a civic formality. It has become an essential tool for self-preservation in USA, Self-determination, community protection, resources, and ensuring that our unique voice echoes loudly in the halls of state and American power.
For decades, generations since the 1960s, Guyanese and Trini Indian Americans have not exercised their franchise in significant numbers based on studies and political activism (get out the vote drives) conducted by this writer. They have woven themselves into the fabric of American society, celebrate traditional American holidays and festivals like Halloween, Thanksgiving, birthdays of Presidents, Veterans, Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, etc. From small business owners and healthcare workers to educators, accountants, doctors, nurses, engineers, public servants, other professionals, Guyanese communities all over the country contribute immensely to the economic vitality and cultural richness of the US. However, economic contribution without political participation leaves their interests vulnerable. They don’t vote in large numbers; just about half show up at polling stations, resulting in defeats of candidates from their community in NY. With their presence and interests under threat, they seem to show a keen interest in voting in this year’s midterm. Usually, midterms saw a turnout rate of about 30%; Presidential election just over 55%. This year could see a mid term turnout approaching 50%.
Midterm elections dictate the balance of power in Congress, shaping policies that directly impact immigrant families, small business tax structures, healthcare access, and immigration reform. When Guyanese and Trini Americans and other immigrant communities turn out in high numbers, they signal to lawmakers and the President as well as state governments that their community cannot be overlooked. High voter turnout ensures that elected officials pay attention to issues concerning family reunification, equitable immigration pathways, green cards, citizenship, assistance to and protection for Guyana, other foreign policy matters that foster strong, cooperative ties between the United States and Guyana.
Guyanese and Trini Americans must come out to vote in their numbers to show interests in protecting community interests in USA and in Guyana. The diaspora maintains a profound emotional, economic, and familial connection to the homeland. As Guyana experiences rapid economic growth and strategic prominence in South America, the geopolitical relationship between Georgetown and Washington takes on heightened significance. Strong, stable partnerships depend on effective leadership in Washington — leadership that is influenced directly by an active, engaged constituency at home.
Furthermore, issues in USA — such as inflation, housing affordability, educational support, and community safety — hit diaspora neighborhoods directly. Voting in the midterms gives Guyanese Americans a direct mechanism to hold leaders accountable and advocate for resources that fortify our neighborhoods. Local and federal policies decided in these elections dictate funding for community programs, public safety initiatives, grants, and support networks relied upon by immigrant families navigating a new land.
Guyanese history is defined by resilience, adaptability, and an enduring commitment to democratic principles. Coming from a nation where the fight for free and fair elections has been hard-won, and where a handful of us in USA played a critical role in lobbying USA to pressure the regime in Guyana to restore democratic governance, Guyanese Americans must vote. Guyanese Americans should know the heavy price of political apathy; someone else will make decisions for you. And consider what has been happening to USA; how policies have impacted your lives. To waste the hard-fought right to vote in a robust democracy like America is to squander a powerful instrument of change. Change came to Guyana in 1992 and 2020 and people are exercising their vote there. Guyanese must do same in USA. By stepping into the voting booth on November 3, Guyanese Americans honor their history of struggle and progress, transforming collective numbers into undeniable political clout.
