Jeremiah Pearson arrived at Robinson Elementary School at 6:30 Tuesday morning. The East Lake resident, like dozens of others who lined up at the door, was there to cast his ballot in the election.

But Pearson’s experience was different from many. At age 72, he was voting for the first time after having had his right to vote restored last month.

“I felt pretty good when Barack Obama won (the presidency) and I wasn’t able to vote,” Pearson said. “But today, it feels good to know that there’s a possibility that we’re going to have a Black woman elected president of the United States, somebody who’s going to be not for only Blacks but for all people. Just like Dr. King was.

“It’s an honor to be able to be here and have the opportunity to vote for the first time in my life after 72 years.”
At age 29, Pearson was convicted of first-degree robbery and went to prison for 15 years. He was released on Aug. 24, 1993, and received a full pardon on Oct. 2 of this year.

The full pardon made the 72-year-old eligible to have his right to vote restored.

Pearson was joined by Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson, a convener for the Alabama Black Women’s Roundtable. Tyson has been part of efforts to help persons restore their right to vote.

“The community’s very excited about assisting any citizen with anything that will change the quality of life for them,” Tyson said. “He already knew he wanted it. He’s already been addressing issues in his community and the only last piece left for him to have is his right to vote. We made it happen and I’m so happy and proud of him.”

The commissioner equated election day to several holidays wrapped into one for Pearson.

“This is his birthday. This is his Christmas. This is his Valentine’s Day. Black History,” Tyson said.
Pearson said he most values being a free man, one who can impact his world with his vote.

“If the Lord takes me away from here, I’m able to die as a free man. That’s the most important thing,” he said. “The second most important thing is to see history made – that a Black woman, a Black queen is able to become the president of the United States of America.”