Ask Better Questions Before You Cast Your Vote

By Ronda Watson Barber, Publisher

Early voting is underway, and candidates are everywhere — knocking on doors, attending community events, and asking for your support.

Before you give them your vote, take a moment and remember this: our votes and our dollars have power. And power, when used intentionally, can shape outcomes for our businesses, our communities, and our future.

“Candidates shouldn’t just ask for your vote — they should earn it.”

Too often, voters rely on party labels, endorsements, or familiar names. But elections are about more than politics — they are about who has access to opportunity and how public dollars are spent. For small and minority business owners, those decisions directly impact whether we grow, scale, or get left out entirely.

We cannot afford to be passive participants. We must be informed, engaged, and willing to ask tough, direct questions.

If they want to represent our communities, they must be prepared to speak clearly about their track record, their priorities, and their commitment to economic inclusion.

“This is not about politics — this is about access, opportunity, and accountability.”

Questions to Ask Candidates Seeking Public Office

• What have you done throughout your career to support Black-owned and minority-owned businesses?

• What will you do — specifically — to ensure Black-owned and minority-owned businesses have access to contracts, capital, and opportunities?

• What Black-owned or minority-owned businesses do you personally support through your spending or partnerships?

• Why should Black business owners vote for you?

• What is your agenda to address the issues unique to Black communities?

• How do you measure the success of minority business programs, and what will you do differently to improve outcomes?

• Do you believe minority business participation goals and set-asides are still necessary? Why or why not?

• What specific steps will you take to increase government spending with Black-owned and minority-owned businesses?

• What barriers do you believe exist for minority contractors, and how will you remove them?

• Beyond contracting, what policies or investments will you support to help minority-owned businesses grow and sustain long-term success?

• Who are the major contributors to your campaign, and how do they influence your priorities?

• How will you be held accountable for the promises you make to our community?

“Don’t just vote. Vote informed. Ask questions. Expect answers.”

Our communities deserve leadership that is intentional, transparent, and results-driven — not just during campaign season, but every day they are in office.

Because at the end of the day, representation without results is not enough.

Just my thoughts… RWB