In an election special, the Johnson family teaches Black-ish viewers about the history of voting and voting suppression.
At the end of the episode, Junior—who is now legally able to vote—feels defeated. But Dre reassures him that he has to vote.
"The machine was built to keep us out, but the only time that things changed in this country was when people did whatever it takes to make their voices count," Dre says to Junior.
"You have to vote, son," he continues later in the episode. "I know it may sound hopeless but that's what they want you to believe to keep you from participating. But the ballot is the best weapon we have."