Submitted by Jack Lavine
Our Vote is Our Voice
We are entering the home stretch of the Tuesday November 6th Election Day. Candidates at every level of office are vying for our attention and support.
The deadline for voter registration is Tuesday October 9th. Unless eligible citizens over age 18 are registered by that date, they cannot vote on November 6th or take advantage of mail in and early voting options.
On November 7th, we will either cheer for the successful campaigns we supported or feel sorrow for losses, but for sure, the outcome will determine the course of our international, statewide and communities’ futures.
While I’m strictly non-partisan in my advocacy for family policies that improve the odds for health, protection and lifelong success, I’m an ardent promoter of participation in all aspects of the political process.
I truly believe that voting is not just a right, it’s a sacred responsibility. There are no more influential personal civic activities than voting. It takes a few minutes but has impact for years to come.
When I think of the many who struggled, suffered, fought and died for our right to vote, I’m motivated even more to have my voice be heard.
It is my earnest hope that despite all the negativity, vitriol and divisiveness in today’s politics we can come to a place which brings us to pledge to participate as informed, active and dedicated voters.
Please do not fall in to the trap of complacency. Let’s take every opportunity to accept the obligation to be full participants as citizens of this nation. Our vote is our voice.
TOP TEN REASONS TO VOTE
– To honor those in our military who courageously fight for us and our law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency workers who respond to our needs and defend the peace at home. Those who sacrifice their personal well-being in the name of our safety and security deserve our respect.
– To honor people who struggled for civil rights, women’s suffrage, disability and equal rights and the ideals of justice for all whose diverse voices are essential for our nation’s moral health and community vitality. Freedom needs affirmation.
– To be a good example to our children and grandchildren by exercising the right to vote as a symbol of our faith in democracy. By voting we send a signal of the importance of the choices we as adults make to secure a better future for ourselves, for our children, and generations who will follow.
– Voting is our society’s great equalizer. No matter our station in life, income, ethnic heritage or social status, every eligible citizen over age 18 has the same power of one vote.
– Pollsters do not determine who wins elections; voters do. Predicting the outcome of elections, especially close ones, is at best an inexact science. Pollsters and political pundits have their roles, but like each of us, they only have one vote.
– Elections should not be about negative ads, it should be about the options we have to promote positive policy actions. Voting for candidates in whom we believe, and for or against ballot initiatives we know will affect our future, is a perfect counterbalance to the flood of negativity polluting the airwaves and filling our mailboxes.
– While voting may now be a bit more complicated than in previous years, access to registration information and early voting are still available for people who want their voices heard. Democracy is a team sport….and spectators simply don’t count.
– It’s vital to be an informed voter. Pay attention to news reports and editorials about the campaigns. While how we vote is confidential, the fact that we have voted, or failed to vote, is public record. Elected officials know which individuals and demographic groups are voting, and we who do vote are more likely to be influential in policy debates. Non-voters are voiceless and by not participating can become victims of their own neglect.
– Regret is preventable. November 7th is one day too late, and “could have, should have” are sorry alternatives to acting. Have a “no excuses” attitude by committing to vote, ask others to join us in voting, and promote a positive approach to making a difference among family, friends and colleagues.
– Be part of making history. Because every indicator points to the prospect that the 2018 Mid-term Election will have impact for years/decades to come, every vote is even more important. As a Floridian, I know how close elections can be! Being a participant in affecting history gives each of us a sense of pride in participation and the power to touch the future.
Jack Levine, founder of the 4Generations Institute, is a family policy advocate. He may be reached at jack@4gen.org