Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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A Marine veteran stood in Congress and spoke about the human cost of war and the decisions that affect American families.

Moments like this remind us why elections matter. Early voting in Illinois' 9th Congressional District is happening March 2–15. Election Day is March 17.

For context on why this issue stayed with me, see Chapter 15 of my book *Unsafe Black Voice* - the section titled "The Ceasefire He Would Not Sign."

Democracy works best when voters are informed. Read, reflect, and make your voice heard.

#IL09Votes
#VoteIllinois
#EarlyVoting
#CivicEngagement
#ForeignPolicy
#CommunityAwareness
#UnsafeBlackVoice
#meleikagardner