The Soultown! Volume III: Issue 7 JULY 2019

SYMBOL OF PEACE the district located in a significantly different area. The stark differences in test scores, the percent- age of English-language learners and low-income students attending each school was surprising to students. For many, it was the first time they saw numbers so low associated with low-income. Many didn’t realize how low-performing Taft is in comparison to its neighboring school in the wealthy area of Redwood City. For those who un- derstood, it was still shocking to see the significant drop in test scores between 3rd and 5th grade. An accumulation of academic challenges as a result of a lack of foundational skills in math and reading was quickly concluded. After reviewing the data, I asked them what kind of futures these students had in Algebra 1 or freshman English. It was at this moment I saw the dots connect and light bulbs become brighter. I left students with this: it is not my goal that you leave this class becoming more engaged through community service or civic engagement. It is my Foothill students pose for group photo. goal that you leave this class informed about how decisions get made about you and those around you that are not engaged. You need to be in- formed and need to understand the impact your engagement or lack of engagement has on you and your community. I am Esme Ortiz, the Symbol of Peace for The Soultown International Magazine. I’d like to thank my Foothill students for having SOUL! , VOTING CHANGES • WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW The Iowa Legislature passed a new voter identifica- tion bill in the spring 2017 session. Hereʼs what it means for all voters, according to the Black Hawk County Auditor's office. Be Prepared: 1. Register to vote in the precinct where you live at least 10 days before the election. 2. Always take your driverʼs license/non-operatorʼs license with you to vote. Voter Law Changes • Beginning Jan. 1, 2018, registered voters must show a driverʼs license or non-operatorʼs ID before voting. If you do not have your ID, in 2018 only, you will be asked to sign an oath that you are who you say you are. You can then cast a regular ballot. In 2019 and on, a registered voter can verify/attest for two people. • If you do not have one of those IDs, you will automatically be issued a free Voter ID card. The state started mailing Voter ID cards in December 2017. • If you did not receive the Voter ID card or lost it, the BH County Auditorʼs Office can re-issue one. Call 833-3007. Absentee Voting An absentee ballot may be requested 120 days before the election. Absentee ballots will be mailed starting 29 days before an election (used to be 40 days). Absentee ballots must be received 10 days before a general election and 11 days before other elections. Absentee ballot voters must include their Iowa driver's license/non-operatorʼs ID number or their Iowa voter ID card's PIN number on the absentee ballot request form. Registering to Vote If you are already registered, you do not have to do anything unless you move within the county or outside of the county. Online: - https://mymvd.iowadot.gov/Account/Login? ReturnUrl=%2fVoterRegistrationRegister By mail: Print the form, fill it out completely in pen, and mail it to: Black Hawk County Auditor Election Department, 316 E 5th St., Waterloo, IA 50703 Register In-person: Black Hawk County Courthouse, 316 E 5th St., Waterloo, IA Cedar Falls City Hall, 220 Clay St., Cedar Falls, IA Other locations listed at: http://www.co.black- hawk.ia.us/208/Registration-Locations No straight party voting is available in Iowa now. Be sure to vote for all of the offices/ballot issues listed on the front and/or back of the ballot. Special Groups: High School Students - If you are 17, but will be 18 years old by the general election, you can register to vote. College Students - If you are going to school in Cedar Falls or Waterloo, you can vote there. You must have an ID that has an expiration date on it. A college/university ID cannot be used. Returning Citizens - Those convicted of a felony can request restoring their voting rights after their sentence is discharged. Complete the form on the Iowa Governor's web sit under Services/Executive Clemency (https://governor.iowa.gov/constituent- services). Frequently asked questions about restoring voting rights are on that same page. INTERESTED IN JOINING THE NAACP? Monthly Meetings: 2nd Thursdays 515 Beech St. Waterloo, Iowa 50703 • President - LaTanya Graves Blackhawk County Branch waterloonaacp.org Email: waterloonaacp @gmail.com Facebook: facebook.com/ waterloonaacp P.O. Box 304 Waterloo, Iowa 50704 July 2019 • The Soultown International Magazine • Celebrating 2 years • Connecting Our Cultures to Our Cyber & Conscious Communities • thesoultown.com 13

The Soultown! Volume III: Issue 7 JULY 2019 | Page 13