Opinion

OP-ED: The Value of Your Vote

Published

11 years ago

October 14, 2014

“The punishment which the wise suffer who refuse to take part in the government, is to live under the government of worse men.” Plato

The election season has definitely begun. Now is the time of politicians; polls and promises, but getting involved in politics should not just be a November occurrence. To be eligible to register to vote an individual must (1) be at least 18 years of age at the time of the next election –some states allow 17 year olds to vote (2) be a U.S. citizen and (3) be a resident of the jurisdiction where the individual is registering.

Originally the U.S. Constitution did not define voter eligibility and in the early years of the Republic most states only allowed white male property owners to vote. White women could vote in New Jersey but still had to meet the property ownership requirement. Freed male slaves could vote in 4 states; Delaware, Maryland, New Hampshire and New York. After the Civil War ended in 1865 the Republican Congress passed the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery and the 14th Amendment providing full citizenship rights for Blacks. Congress insisted that the Southern states ratify these Amendments before they could be readmitted into the United States. Because the Rebels had their voting rights suspended during Reconstruction the Republican Party (party of Lincoln and abolition) became the political majority in the South. In Texas 42 Blacks were elected to the State Legislature, 50 to the South Carolina Legislature, 127 to Louisiana’s and 99 to Alabama’s.

“These Republican legislatures moved quickly to protect voting rights for blacks, prohibit segregation, establish public education, and open public transportation, State police, juries, and other institutions to blacks.(It is noteworthy that the blacks serving both in the federal and State legislatures during that time forgivingly voted for amnesty for the Rebels.) “ David Barton the History of Black Voting Rights

The Democratic response to this voting empowerment of Black Americans were Poll Taxes, Literacy tests, Grandfather clauses, White-only primaries, physical intimidation and violence. These tactics would greatly reduce the voting percentages of Blacks. In Selma, Alabama the voting rolls were 99 percent white and 1 percent black even though there were more black residents than whites in that city. Black voters in Florida and Alabama were reduced by nearly 90 percent. By the 1940’s, only 5 percent of blacks in the South were registered to vote.

In October 2014 we sometimes forget the value and the price paid for our vote. Your vote is precious and should be handled as such. When you vote, you are hiring a politician to take responsibility for your income, your rights, your freedoms, your schools, your overall welfare and even the roads upon which you travel. When you vote this November make sure the candidate has your values and has a vision for your future and will fight for that future. Study the candidates, study the platforms, and study the issues. Refuse to let your vote be taken for granted!

Voting matters and your vote counts.

Oakland Post

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Advice

Women & Wealth: Tips for Navigating Your Lifelong Financial Journey

Published

2 weeks ago

March 15, 2026

Oakland Post

Sponsored by J.P. Morgan Wealth Management

We are in the midst of a seismic shift in wealth. This phenomenon, often referred to as the “Great Wealth Transfer,” describes the unprecedented movement of assets from the Baby Boomer generation to their heirs – an estimated $105 trillion by 2048. And women are poised to inherit most of this.

J.P. Morgan Wealth Management’s 2025 Investor Study found that women are not only set to receive significant wealth – they’re actively working to build it on their own. Ninety-three percent of women surveyed who are expecting an inheritance aren’t relying on it to reach their goals.

Here are a few tips for women to consider in their wealth-building journey:

Create a financial roadmap

A detailed, well thought out plan is important. J.P. Morgan’s study found that 90% of those surveyed with a plan feel confident about reaching their financial goals, compared to 49% without one.

Your plan should reflect your unique goals, priorities and circumstances. Consider your investment horizon and risk tolerance, and remember to revisit your plan regularly as life evolves.

Are you saving up for goals like buying a house, sending your kids off to college or retiring early? Where do you want to be in the next five, ten or twenty years? Everyone’s financial situation is unique, so it’s important to think about these questions and build a plan that is unique to your life.

Women tend to live longer than men on average. Many take career breaks or care for family members, which can influence long-term planning. It’s important to adjust your strategy with these factors in mind.

Where to start with investing

Don’t let misconceptions hold you back. Starting to invest doesn’t require a large sum, and beginning early can be beneficial. The earlier you start, the more time your money has to potentially grow over the years. Understand your overall financial situation, set clear goals and develop a long-term plan.

It’s important to also make sure you’re covered for unexpected expenses that come up before you start to invest. Build up a cash emergency fund, typically enough to cover three to six months of expenses, and pay down any high-interest debt.

Taking charge of your finances

The good news is that women are taking charge of their finances. J.P. Morgan’s research found that 75% of women respondents make financial decisions with their partner or take the lead themselves. For those who have a spouse or partner, it’s important for each person in the relationship to play an active role in the process.

Building wealth can be empowering for many women. The same survey found that 73% of women respondents said money gives them “security,” while 64% of Gen Z and Millennial women associated it with “freedom.”

The power of having a team

Some people find it helpful to work with a financial advisor, so you don’t have to tackle things alone. An advisor can help you craft a plan tailored to your needs and keep you on track throughout your lifelong financial journey. If you expect to receive an inheritance, you should also consult with estate planning and tax professionals.

No matter where you are on your wealth-building path, education is key. It’s so important to be an informed investor, and there are plenty of resources out there to help. You can find a library of free educational resources at chase.com/theknow.

As the landscape of wealth continues to evolve, women have a unique opportunity to shape their financial futures and those of generations to come. By staying informed and planning ahead, women have the tools to help them confidently navigate the Great Wealth Transfer and set themselves up for financial freedom.

The views, opinions, estimates and strategies expressed herein constitutes the author’s judgment based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice, and may differ from those expressed by other areas of J.P. Morgan. This information in no way constitutes J.P. Morgan Research and should not be treated as such. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions. For additional guidance on how this information should be applied to your situation, you should consult your advisor.  

JPMorgan Chase & Co., its affiliates, and employees do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any financial transaction.  