On July 21, 2024, President Joe Biden announces to the world that he is dropping out of the long anticipated presidential race of 2024 with around 100 days left until Election Day. Shockwaves rippled through the internet at this unprecedented event, but the surprises didn’t stop there. Vice President Kamala Harris declares that her campaign for the presidency has just begun. Within a neck breaking 24-hour period, she managed to raise over $80 million dollars in donations—60 percent of which is from first time donors. X (formerly Twitter) users were quick to also show their support. The hashtag #Kamala2024 is trending with people of different ages, races, and political beliefs tweeting their “understanding of the assignment” to vote for her.
The sheer volume of backing in such a short period of time foreshadows the making of history. If elected, Kamala Harris will not only be the first U.S. madam president but the U.S.’s first female president of color. This would be huge for the Black community, especially Black women. We would finally have wider representation instead of having our issues ignore or acknowledged but having nothing done about it. It would be a massive step towards a better country.
With such an enormous possibility on the horizon, time is of the essence to support the candidates for the fight of their lives. Here are a few ways to foster patriotism.
Do Your Research
While social media is a powerful tool for communication, in today’s climate it is easy to use to spread misinformation and undermine the truth. Diligence and awareness are more important now than ever. Use only reputable sources for information about the news. One resource that caters to this particular issue is Ground News, an outlet that sorts news reports based on the political spectrum—left, right, or neutral—and rates the factuality of them. It is also worth consuming information from multiple sources and comparing them for further analysis or inconsistencies.
Spread Awareness
We are in the age of digital communication. Our access to information is simpler than ever, and a global reach is easier to obtain. Social media is one of the most effective ways to communicate with an audience, especially younger people who may not have a complete understanding of politics. It is also important to do groundwork in tandem with online promotions to achieve the best results. Things such as holding rallies like the thousands of Black women gathering in a virtual call to support VP Harris’s campaign are a good way to raise awareness and funds for a cause. In my case, creating political clubs in school or hosting political events are other options. A tried-and-true approach is handing out flyers or presenting petitions.
Donate
A successful political campaign cannot function without the backing of donors. Whether that is from individuals, PACs (political action committees), or from the candidates themselves, donations are a vital component of a candidate’s success. There are various websites where individuals can donate to the cause—ones owned by the candidates or other organizations. Extensive research is required to ensure the funds are going to the appropriate parties. There are also rules and regulations to keep in mind before contributing such as the the max amount that can be donated annually and per candidate.
GO VOTE
The only true way to support your favorite candidate is to go to the polls. Check the deadlines for your state and show up to the polling stations or send in your ballots. Encourage your family and friends to vote as well. Every single one counts.
Takeaway
It cannot be understated how momentous this presidential election will be. Remain cautious of the credibility of information on social and news media. Having accurate and up-to-date facts is required to give candidates the best and fairest chance to win. Now go out there and make a difference!