Ethiopians for Obama kicked-off a “Project Yechalal” Virginia voter registration drive at St. Gabriel Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Volunteers were deployed at the church and registered voters on a non-partisan basis. The excitement from the Ethiopian-American congregation was overwhelming.
“I was excited to see Ethiopians registering other Ethiopians.” stated Nadew Hailu. “I was looking for a way to become involved and to register to vote. When I saw the registration drive, I instantly felt a part of the process”
Nadew’s efforts were amazing. He took on the responsibility of letting others in the church know about the registration drive and guided Ethiopians to the table in droves. His enthusiasm was contagious, his excitement was unbelievable.
The excitement did not end with Nadew. Ethiopian-Americans from Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC were elated to have the opportunity to register. This is something new in the Ethiopian-American community; few have witnessed this level of effort to make sure that Ethiopian-Americans take part in the political process. This is truly the beginning of a new era, Ethiopian-Americans are motivated and excited to vote unlike any election in recent memory.
Alemseged Gelmariam is a registered voter; he took note of the Ethiopians for Obama volunteers and their dedication. Alemseged understands the value of voting, he said that most Ethiopians don’t think their vote makes a difference. However, he knows full well that Ethiopian-Americans have a responsibility—if not a duty—to vote.
“It does not matter who you support, voting is a responsibility that we should all take seriously”, stated Alemseged. “I was so encouraged by seeing Ethiopians take it upon themselves to organize and register other Ethiopians.”
There seems to be a hesitancy to be a register to vote amongst many in the Ethiopian-American community. Some explain this phenomenon as one borne out of fear—political involvement has not always been an encouraged activity amongst the Ethiopian community. In fact, out of the many people who stopped by to find out about the Ethiopians for Obama effort, over 70% were not registered.
Genene Tufer became a citizen only a few months ago. He understands fully the value of voting, he knows that there are millions who wait every year to become a citizen—voting is a right that should not be taken for granted. He always followed politics on CNN and C-SPAN and has a passionate belief in the electoral process. He is a big supporter of Senator Obama, he believes that Obama is the best person for the job in an critical time. Genene believes that Obama is the one person who can fix the mess that eight years of Bush has created.
“I can’t wait to vote this year, I waited for years to become a citizen,” said Genene. “I finally have a chance to vote and I get to vote for a man of honor and principle.”
Regardless of whom one supports, it is vital that Ethiopian-Americans register to vote. The policies that are enacted in the United States has impacts throughout the world. As citizens of the United States, Ethiopian-Americans cannot take for granted the precious right to vote that countless others do not enjoy elsewhere. It is easy to criticize or to complain from the sideline, but the vote is the one powerful tool that all citizens can exercise to deliver change. America is our country, as citizens, we have a duty to vote—our actions today will have an influence of the lives our children live tomorrow.
