Former Democratic member of the Missouri House of Representatives Randy Dunn visited the Student Union on Voter Registration Day to explain students’ power at the polls.
UMKC fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha hosted the event, “A Voteless People is a Hopeless People”, to highlight the importance of voting and increase voter turnout in younger demographics.
An Alpha Phi Alpha alum himself, Dunn emphasized how the power of just one vote can influence Missouri elections.
“Who we put in office has an impact, and who impacts that is the people that go and vote,” Dunn said.
Student Cameron Johnson explained why he felt passionately about his fraternity holding this event.
“We walk the streets where people who are supposed to enforce the law abuse the law,” said Johnson, “that forces minorities not to believe in the law and therefore not believe in voting.”
Although Dunn is a Democrat, he made it clear that no party is free from racism or sexism, and it’s up to the voters to elect officials who represent the communities that align with their values.
Responding to common skepticism that elected officials “don’t have the communities best interest at heart,” Dunn advocated taking responsibility for who is elected.
President of Alpha Phi Alpha and event organizer Brandon Woods said, “It is important for the youth to grasp the concept of voting in order to make effective change in our communities.”
Dunn encouraged students not only to vote, but to hold the officials in office accountable by reaching out or protesting. He also emphasized the importance of students getting educated on upcoming policy before showing up to the polls.
