I Did Not Vote Today

 


It's election day:  the first Tuesday in November.  It's not a presidential election year, but that doesn't make it any less important to cast your vote.  EVERY election is important; every single one.  I know I've said it before and I'm going to keep saying it, because our votes are our voices.  We deserve; we NEED to be heard.

But I said I did not vote today and that is true.  Why?   Because I took advantage of early in person voting. Last Monday evening, both my husband and I went over to the town community center and cast our votes. There was no line.  The people there were friendly and helpful.  It was easy.  It was the way it SHOULD be. 

My son has also voted.  He is currently at college; so he asked for and received a mail in ballot.  He made his selections and he sent it in.  Again, easy.  Again, the way it should be.

Voting is our right.  It is also a privilege.  It is something we CANNOT take for granted.  Every citizen should register and vote.  I will NEVER tell anyone HOW to vote or WHO to vote for, but I will continually remind everyone that we need to vote.  We need to be heard.

And we need to have options.  In today's crazy world, getting to the polls can be nearly impossible if only given one day.  Having the opportunity to vote in person or via mail in, means less life disruption and more opportunity for every registered voter.   Options are a good thing; they are a necessary thing and I am happy that we have them where I vote.

We also need to do our homework before casting our vote.  (I know, I'm a broken record here.)  You need to know what the candidates stand for.  If they are incumbent, have they followed through on what they said they would do?  Words can be easy; actions not so much.  If someone says one thing and then does another.  Well, WHY would you vote for that person?  Words need to match the action.  And actions need to be for the people.

Voting is also NOT a popularity contest.  (We are not in high school anymore folks!)  On the local level, I do have friends who are running for various positions.  I do not vote for friends.  I vote for people I believe in.  People who I think will follow through on what they say they will do.  And if I turn out to be wrong (and I have), they won't get my vote the next time around.  (If there is a next time.)  I check out candidates' websites, news sites and if possible, I ask questions.  

Over the years, on the local level, I have asked questions and NOT gotten answers.  Was I going to vote for someone who wouldn't answer my emailed question in my little town?  Probably not.  I don't expect the candidates for governor to answer me personally (although it would be nice), but if you're running for town council, board of education, town supervisor, etc, you need to listen to and answer your constituents.  After all, we are the people you are (supposed to be) working FOR.  There is a reason why officials are called Public Servants.  They are supposed to serve the public.  When that stops; my vote does too.

Wherever you are, get out there and make your voice heard.  To paraphrase (and to paraphrase badly), poet James Weldon Johnson  (and apologies to any of his living relatives): Lift every voice and VOTE,  Our government must take note.  Ring with the harmonies of Liberty."  (Yes, it doesn't rhyme...but I'm no James Weldon Johnson.)

Go out and VOTE


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