Boston residents discuss the black vote and presidential elections

All eyes will be on South Carolina and black voters for the Democratic primary on Saturday.

The spotlight will focus on a significant segment of African-American voters as they make up the majority of the Democratic electorate and are expected to cast up to two-thirds of all ballots in the South Carolina Democratic primary.

This is a critical moment for presidential candidates to gain momentum ahead of the of the high-stakes 15-state Super Tuesday primaries on March 3.

For months, candidates have addressed issues including healthcare and criminal justice reform, economic injustice, and educational inequality, which are just a few of a long list of concerns for black voters. A major concern with some residents involve whether if its worth it to vote for the Democrat party that “doesn’t seem to be in unison.”

“I don’t trust any politicals,” said Edith Otero of Chelsea. She is Puerto Rican but said she empathizes with those in the black community. Otero says the “craziness” that is politics hurts hard-working minorities especially Hispanics and African-Americans. “They are more concentrated on getting Donald Trump impeached and not concentrating on what the people really need.”

Quincy resident Adiza Ibrahim, 19, says that she is also a supports the Democratic party, but doesn’t see herself voting in the upcoming November election. “I think following politics is a waste of time and also it seems like your opinions doesn’t matter.”

According to a survey by the political action committee Black PAC, 76% of black voters are dissatisfied with the country’s direction. They are largely supportive of the Democratic Party, but feel that the party doesn’t pay enough attention to the black community.

“I’m voting Democrat for sure but I really don’t see either of Democrats that can win ,” said Boston resident Mohane Ranger. His only concern is whether the Democratic candidates are pandering black voters to win. “A lot of politicians talk the talk but when it’s time to do, I hope they can do what they say they’re going to do.

Clouds of doubt still lingering among black voters in Boston, some say they intend to go out and vote for who ever ends up winning the Democratic nomination.

“There are a lot of things that I wish I could do to make the world a better place, said Dorchester resident Wesley Brathwaite. “The least I can do is vote for someone who I hope will do it for me.”

 

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/32yVVc4