Marshall, Texas – On Election Day, Virginia Dillard, a 105‑year‑old lifelong East Texas resident, proudly walked into her precinct and cast a ballot in the midterm elections. Dillard, who was born in 1920, did not gain the legal right to vote until she was 45, after the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
From denial to celebration
“We couldn’t vote. But now we can vote! Isn’t that wonderful? Yeah, I think that it’s wonderful,” Dillard said, smiling as she recalled the early days of her civic participation. She added that she has never taken her ballot for granted since gaining the franchise.
Her daughter, Vanessa Jackson, highlighted the significance of her mother’s continued involvement. “She’s 105 years old, so she’s seen so much and done so much in her life and so much of that has not been easy,” Jackson said. “Her continuing to vote is a testament to all those who fought for justice. It’s absolutely no excuse not to vote and not to take advantage of what is a privilege and what so many others have sacrificed to allow us to have this right.”
Why voting matters to Dillard
Dillard recalled her first experience at the polls with a mixture of skepticism and triumph. “I felt a little skeptical, ’cause I didn’t think they were gonna let me vote, and they did!” she recalled. She urges anyone who doubts the impact of their ballot to act on their own behalf.
“I can’t speak for you and you can’t speak for me. You’re gonna have to do it yourself,” Dillard said, emphasizing personal responsibility in the democratic process.
A legacy of civic duty
For Dillard, voting is more than a civic duty; it is a way to honor the generations that fought for the right and to shape the future for those who will follow. “We vote for tomorrow — for the ones who came before us and those that will come after,” she explained.
She likened her lifelong commitment to voting to climbing a mountain, noting that the summit never became too high for her resolve. “I’m gonna run on until I can’t and be a good role model,” Dillard affirmed.
Respectful discourse and continued participation
Regardless of political preference, Dillard stresses the importance of respecting differing opinions. “No matter who you vote for, respecting each other’s opinions is the only way to keep talking,” she said.
Looking ahead, Dillard plans to keep casting her ballot in future elections, embodying the spirit of civic engagement that many younger voters can emulate.
Community response
Local officials and community members praised Dillard’s dedication, noting that her story underscores the enduring value of the right to vote—a right secured through the perseverance of countless Americans, including those of faith and family who have championed liberty and responsibility.
As the nation heads toward the next election cycle, Dillard’s example serves as a reminder that every voice matters, and that the privilege of voting is a gift to be cherished and exercised by all generations.
Original reporting: KLTV 7 Tyler (news) — read the source article.
