“Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting.”
- January 30, 1882 – April 12, 1945
- American
- Politician
- [Achievements]
- As president of the United States, he promoted economic recovery from the Great Depression with the New Deal policy
- He led the Allied powers to victory in World War II
- [Criticism]
- His hard-line policy toward Japan triggered the attack on Pearl Harbor
- He pushed for the forced internment policy of Japanese Americans due to racist feelings toward the Japanese
- He promoted the Manhattan Project, a plan to develop the atomic bomb
Quote
“Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting.”
Explanation
In this quote, Franklin D. Roosevelt emphasizes the importance of civic participation in a democracy, specifically the right to vote. Roosevelt asserts that the right to vote is fundamental to the American democratic system and that no external force—whether it be government or any other power—can take that right away from the people unless they, the citizens themselves, choose not to exercise it. By failing to vote, the public undermines their own democratic rights and responsibilities. Roosevelt is reminding the American people that the power of democracy lies in their hands and that voter apathy or disengagement is the only way this fundamental right could be lost.
This statement reflects Roosevelt’s belief in the power of democracy and the crucial role of voting as a tool for political participation and self-determination. During his presidency, Roosevelt was deeply committed to expanding access to the vote and ensuring that every American, regardless of background, had the right to participate in shaping the nation’s future. His administration worked to ensure voting rights for all, particularly addressing issues like voter suppression and discrimination that marginalized certain groups, especially African Americans in the South.
In modern times, Roosevelt’s words are still highly relevant, particularly in ongoing discussions about voter rights, voter suppression, and voter turnout. The idea that the right to vote can only be lost through inaction serves as a reminder of the importance of engaging in the democratic process and making sure that every eligible citizen participates. In an era of voter ID laws, gerrymandering, and efforts to limit access to the polls, Roosevelt’s words remind us that democracy thrives when citizens actively engage and make their voices heard through voting.
