The Voting Rights Act of 1965 helped African Americans exercise their right to vote under the 15th Amendment to the Constitution. Stephen Somerstein photographed Bobby Simmons, a member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committe. Simmons was wearing zinc oxide to prevent sunburn and wrote VOTE onto his forehead. This photo shows a section of Somerstein’s portrait of Simmons showcased in an April 2015 exhibit, “Selma to Montgomery: Marching Along the Voting Rights Trail,” at St. Olaf College. I photographed the photo with permission. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo 2015
VOTE. I encourage you, if you live in one of 14 states with primaries today, Super Tuesday, to vote.
This is not a political post. This is simply a strong suggestion that you exercise your right in our democracy.
As I pondered this subject, I was reminded of an exhibit, “Selma to Montgomery: Marching Along the Voting Rights Trail,” which I viewed at St. Olaf College in Northfield in April 2015. The 45 black-and-white images of the 1965 Civil Rights Movement by photographer Stephen Somerstein and more impressed upon me the importance of the right to vote.
I’d suggest you read that initial post by clicking here.
And then, go to your polling place and vote. It’s your right and your responsibility.
© Copyright 2020 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Don’t ever take your right to vote for granted! However, having the right to vote has its obligations. We must all be very watchful of just what a candidate stands for and be informed on the issues at hand. It doesn’t hurt to ACTUALLY read the founding documents of this country.
Great advice, Gunny.
I voted. 😉
Good to hear!
We were the first couple at the voting booth yesterday. One fella with the election board was a morning person, chatting away and happy. The other three looked like they needed a big mug of coffee! ha ha!
I’m laughing. At the need for coffee. I’m glad you were greeted by that cheerful guy. And glad you voted.