Breonna Taylor is only the latest reason to vote

Another police shooting of an unarmed black person, followed by a dismissive court decision, protesters demanding justice, and a spate of violence— this is not the direction I had hoped society would be going.

The dubious responses to police-involved violence and the repression of peaceful protests threaten the progress individuals and organizations, like the Urban League of Broward County, have made to ensure that both public and private sectors are inclusive, which is necessary to build a better society.

But, Breonna Taylor, an aspiring nurse in Louisville, Ky., died in a hail of bullets as police officers executed a ‘no-knock’ warrant on her apartment. It took six months before a grand jury cleared the police of any direct responsibility in her death, but by then, Breonna Taylor had joined a long list of Black Americans now seen by many as martyrs of police violence.

So, how did we get here? More importantly, what canwe do as concerned citizens to channel the nationwide frustrations that come from violence, lack of access to quality health care, poor-performing schools, unemployment and other social and economic ills and turn those grievances into a brighter future where our voices are heard, our interests considered and our lives improved?

Vote! The ballot box must never be underestimated. Theremay still be skeptics out there who will tell you that your vote won’t make a difference. Nothing could be further fromthe truth. The candidates on the ballot may not reflect all of your values and views, but the stakes are just too high to stay on the sidelines.

Elections do have consequences, whether it’s the White House or the down-ballot races for circuit court judge, county commissioner, state attorney, public defender, school board, sheriff, state representative and state senator. The people we elect are the ones who will impact our way of life. Your vote is your voice and your vote still matters.

Broward County voters can shape local courts and lawenforcement by choosing jurists they believe will best oversee courtrooms, a sheriff who will lead one of the nation’s largest law enforcement agencies, and a state attorney and public defender who will direct the attorneys who prosecute and defend the accused. The supervisor of elections plays a pivotal role in protecting our democracy and ensuring that each vote is counted. State legislative races are also crucial, as the winners will decide what services will be cut or expanded as Florida grapples with a looming budget shortfall. After November, the men and women who represent us will draw new districts, decide on how local, state and federal dollars are divided, and determine howwell our local communities fare.

Nowis the time to make a plan to advance your vote. If you’re voting early, find the nearest early-voting polling place and vote. If you’re voting by mail, followthe instructions, don’t forget to sign the envelope and return your ballot by mail, at dropboxes at early-voting sites or at the election supervisor’s office, pronto.