Ethiopians for Obama kicked-off a “Project Yechalal” Virginia voter registration drive at St. Gabriel Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Volunteers were deployed at the church and registered voters on a non-partisan basis. The excitement from the Ethiopian-American congregation was overwhelming.
“I was excited to see Ethiopians registering other Ethiopians.” stated Nadew Hailu. “I was looking for a way to become involved and to register to vote. When I saw the registration drive, I instantly felt a part of the process”
Nadew’s efforts were amazing. He took on the responsibility of letting others in the church know about the registration drive and guided Ethiopians to the table in droves. His enthusiasm was contagious, his excitement was unbelievable.
The excitement did not end with Nadew. Ethiopian-Americans from Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC were elated to have the opportunity to register. This is something new in the Ethiopian-American community; few have witnessed this level of effort to make sure that Ethiopian-Americans take part in the political process. This is truly the beginning of a new era, Ethiopian-Americans are motivated and excited to vote unlike any election in recent memory.
Alemseged Gelmariam is a registered voter; he took note of the Ethiopians for Obama volunteers and their dedication. Alemseged understands the value of voting, he said that most Ethiopians don’t think their vote makes a difference. However, he knows full well that Ethiopian-Americans have a responsibility—if not a duty—to vote.
“It does not matter who you support because voting is a responsibility that we should all take seriously”, stated Alemseged. “I was so encouraged by seeing Ethiopians take it upon themselves to organize and register other Ethiopians.”
There seems to be a hesitancy to be a register to vote amongst many in the Ethiopian-American community. Some explain this phenomenon as one borne out of fear—political involvement has not always been an encouraged activity amongst the Ethiopian community. In fact, out of the many people who stopped by to find out about the Ethiopians for Obama effort, over 70% were not registered.
Genene Tufer became a citizen only a few months ago. He understands fully the value of voting, he knows that there are millions who wait every year to become a citizen—voting is a right that should not be taken for granted. He always followed politics on CNN and C-SPAN and has a passionate belief in the electoral process. He is a big supporter of Senator Obama, he believes that Obama is the best person for the job in an critical time. Genene believes that Obama is the one person who can fix the mess that eight years of Bush has created.
“I can’t wait to vote this year, I waited for years to become a citizen,” said Genene. “I finally have a chance to vote and I get to vote for a man of honor and principle.”
Regardless of whom one supports, it is vital that Ethiopian-Americans register to vote. The policies that are enacted in the United States has impacts throughout the world. As citizens of the United States, Ethiopian-Americans cannot take for granted the precious right to vote that countless others do not enjoy elsewhere. It is easy to criticize or to complain from the sideline, but the vote is the one powerful tool that all citizens can exercise to deliver change. America is our country, as citizens, we have a duty to vote—our actions today will have an influence of the lives our children live tomorrow.
Source: Ethiopians for Obama
4 thoughts on “Ethiopians in the Washington DC Metro area register to vote”
I wish All Ethiopians who reside in Atlanta or other major metropolitant area would the same like virginia. I hope it would be a good lesson for the rest of us, who live out side North east.
It is a pleasure to see Ethiopians register to vote in droves. I am excited and happy that all Ethiopians are transformed by the Obama Mania. I was for Clinton. Hey, I am not a looser, because you supported and got the Brother become the Presume Nominee. I congratulate you and Senator Obama for He is our Nominee fo Democratic Party. I think he has won fair and square. I am a trained politican in my own mind of this country’s political system. You know the brother is an Elequent Speaker and a Smooth Talker Politician. I mean in a possetive way. He can make stone talks,and follows, and he can make water out of Stone. My Goodness! Ethiopian are registring and are going to vote in November. That is Obamania Miracle. I am so delighted inside and out. I am moving to Washington DC so that I can run for Council or even for Mayor for Washington DC. Go ahead my fellow Ethiopians, Register, Vote, and Run for office. It is a duty and responsibility to vote and participate, once you become a citizen. I told some of you, we can change eachother and we can change the policy of this country towards Our-Old-Home, Country, Ethiopia, by getting involved in the political process of this Great Nation. Thank God, The Almighty, We Are Free At Last! We are registering and I hope we will be voting too.
It is a good idea for Ethiopian -Americans
and there goes the ignorant crowd proppelled by the deception of color. simply guided by the oulook of charisma. no understanding on the policies that embody the visions of Obama’s leadership. there goes the simple ethiopian crowd purchased by the collaboration of oprah winfrey and other co-joined brain cancer victims. not one ethiopian truelly understands the political stand and political motivation of Barack Obama. Barack Obama belongs in a classic Malboro commercial…not a political podium. However, whatever, Never ….