Voters Should Also Focus On Social Issues

Election time is always a frenzy of debates, potential candidates pointing fingers and promises being made. Many issues are on voters’ minds, wondering which candidate is best fit to deal with them as the next president.

A poll conducted by the Pew Research Center this past June found the most important issue for voters is the economy (84 percent), followed by terrorism (80 percent) and foreign policy (75 percent). These are very important issues that the country must deal with. However, there are others issues that are left in the back burner that also need attention.

The Atlantic reported last year that more than 20 percent of minorities are experiencing poverty. It is much worse for women and children, who make up 32 percent of the population living in poverty. It seems unbelievable that the so-called greatest country on earth could have people living below the poverty line, struggling day after day and living off paycheck after paycheck.

Another issue that needs attention is the rights of the disabled. Although the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990 and prohibits the discrimination against people with disabilities, they are still being marginalized. And it certainly doesn’t help if Donald Trump openly mocked a journalist with a physical disability.

People with a mental disability are likely to be trapped inside the criminal justice system, with little to no rights. There have been recent confrontations with law enforcement and those who are in emotional distress. The majority of them have ended in unnecessary deaths. More training from law enforcement, equal expansion of services and equal and unconditional rights are part of the solution.

In the same Pew Research Center poll, only 40 percent of voters acknowledge that the treatment of LGBTQI+ individuals is important to them.  

I recently visited a church where the pastor made a reference to gays and lesbians saying that they truly don’t have God in their hearts. I had the strong urge to get up and leave, but I remained seated, internally seething.

That reference pales in comparison to the inflammatory sermon by Pastor Steven Anderson, who said “there’s 50 less pedophiles in this world” referring to the Orlando shooting.

The reason I am pointing this out is the continued demonization of the LGBTQI+ community, from church sermons to the so-called religious freedom laws being passed in states like Indiana and North Carolina. This is a direct reflection of the civil rights era of the 1960s.

Each voter is different and each issue is not like the other. Although there are some issues that matter more to others, it is not an excuse to ignore the ones that have been on the sidelines for far too long.

This coming November is the time for those disregarded voices to have their say in the polls.