Voting, Lyndon Johnson said, is the “first duty of democracy.”
I’d go one step beyond LBJ and say that voting is the first duty to one’s self, and an absolute imperative in duty toward family and community.
And for those among you who, perhaps as discontented as I with the current state of intellect and integrity among so many of the candidates, are thinking of not voting – all I ask is that you think again.
Think of what you are saying about our country when you consider your vote meaningless. Think of what it says about you personally when you say “One vote won’t make a difference,” “They’re all a bunch of bozos,” or “The system is so corrupt, what’s the use?”
The only meaningless vote is the one not cast.
Think about the people who have worked, fought and even died so that you would have the right to cast a ballot. Think about how you dishonor their sacrifices if you take a pass on going to the voting station simply because you’re too busy, running late, it’s raining, or you’re kids are screaming for dinner.
We should all be outraged, really, by those among us who can vote and choose not to.
Voting is not just a right, it’s a gift. No other gift gives so much — little things, you know, like freedom, choice, democracy, opinion, influence, power, action.
Hope.
How ungrateful to let such a gift of mastery over our own lives and those who govern us fall by the wayside because we can’t be bothered.
As voters, let’s demand more of ourselves. Let’s stand up and be counted, and in doing so, let us count for something.
Let our voices, our votes, speak not just for ourselves, but for those who cannot speak. Let us show others who we are and what we believe.
Employers: let your employees come in late, take long lunches or leave early so they can vote. If you want proof that they voted in order to grant the time off, many elections offices says that poll workers can provide a photocopy of a voting form as proof.
Voters: organize a carpool; offer a ride to neighbor who doesn’t drive; throw an “I went to the polls and all I got was a democracy” party. Remember, too, that you can vote early, but you can’t vote late.
Let this be the year that voter turnout in Florida breaks all records.
Let this be the year that Florida’s vox populi speaks – and is heard.
John W. Perkins
October 27, 2008 at 1:13 pmI whole heartedly agree with you.. I say, get out there and vote early, and vote often.
Susan M. Kinsella
October 27, 2008 at 2:11 pmI’ll never forget the first time I voted. I was living in a small town in NH. Everyone went to the tiny town hall in the picture postcard town square to vote. I was a committed McGovern supporter. I had been working on political campaigns since high school, but this was the first time I could actually vote for a candidate for whom I had been making phone calls and stuffing envelopes. To my surprise, one of the ballot questions was what was later termed “The Equal Rights Amendment”. NH was ahead of its time, at least on this issue.
After my children were born, I made a point of bringing them with me to the polls so they would know how important this was. They both vote regularly now that they are adults.
Vote your conscience. Learn about the ballot questions. No matter how much we may disagree on the issues, this is something on which we can all come together.
Sorry… Voting and the constitution make me a little misty-eyed.
Steve
October 27, 2008 at 6:31 pmWhat do you all say to the people that dislike the candidates,issues and can’t be phony about voting?Do you say then you can’t complain since you didn’t have a voice in this election?Do you vote for the lesser of two evils just to vote?Sorry Capt.I know several folks that are not voting because they just cannot support any candidates and any issue so their right is NOT to vote…Not my view but just thought I would share.
Being held hostage in a Blue State
October 28, 2008 at 5:03 amAs it appears I may be in inevitable position to tell you I told you so………………….. voting is fundamental or was that reading, it does takes a village, remember we will leave no Republican behind until mission accomplished of landing another Republican in the White house causing shock and awe, see you November 5th Peace out
John W. Perkins
October 28, 2008 at 10:09 am“Do you vote for the lesser of two evils just to vote?”
Actually, it will be the voter of the lesser of two evils that will make the final decision in this election. In other words, the undecided 10% (est.). And, they tend to vote on the conservative side of the issues.
Susan M. Kinsella
October 29, 2008 at 1:09 pmHey Steve —
You know, there are a lot more than two people running on November 4. My brother is disgusted with both Obama and McCain, so he’s looking at third party candidates. One year I kept saying my 18 year old son could do a better job than our town council, so when the election came, I voted for Devan. I can’t believe that with all the times you post to this blog that you have no opinion about ballot questions.
This is America — I’ll always defend your right not to vote. I just find it sad…
Steve
October 30, 2008 at 5:59 amHi Susan,
You did not read my response correctly..please read again…. ..I was talking about a couple of friends I know for a long time and that is their view and yes they have looked into all the other candidates.They will be voting on the ballot questions.I am voting of course for a candidate and the ballot questions which I have studied for a long time.Hope this is clear now.
Steve
October 30, 2008 at 6:20 amI doubt it very much John in this election.