Throughout our lives, we, the citizens of these United States, are urged every November or April to exercise our right to vote. While it is a right to go to the polls every election day and select those who will represent us in office, the mere thought of uneducated and apathetic voters casting ballots troubles me. These days, it’s difficult enough to juggle work, family, finances and other obligations without adding anything to the mix. And while I do think that this generation of voters is much more inclined to actually research the candidates and learn the issues, there are still those who register to vote without knowing anything about their potential representatives.
And I can honestly say that, once upon a time, I fell into that category. With my 18th birthday falling in October of an election year, I was more wrapped up in the reality of being an adult. Voting was the last thing on my mind. Besides, my apathetic self had adopted the, ‘one vote won’t make a difference’ philosophy. Four years later, my bad decision making once again reared its ugly head. Caught up in the whole MTV “Rock the Vote” hype, as well as being surrounded by a college crowd that was certain that our future depended on us getting to the polls and making a difference.
Of course, smart college student that I was, I focused my attention on the presidential race – Gore vs. Bush. I steadfastly threw my support behind Bush because all of my views on the majority of issues mirrored his. I developed a cocky attitude that I was right and all of those who supported Gore were imbeciles … including my better half. Together for three years, we never had as heated arguments as we did leading up to that election. Our political differences drove an insurmountable wedge between us and, eventually, our relationship bent until it broke. Looking back, I can’t help but kick myself for getting so wrapped up in politics that it adversely affected my life.
But, I digress. Heading to the polls that November, I looked over my ballot and realized I failed to do my homework. Sure, I had the president vote all figured out, but then came all the other candidates for Senate, Congress, Assembly and sheriff, with a referendum thrown in for good measure. Like the typical uninformed constituent, I merely chose the names that sounded familiar – those of the incumbents. After filling it out, I left feeling like a failure. Sure, I had done my part and fulfilled my right to vote, but I really had no idea what I was doing.
That’s why people need to realize that votes do count. And just because an incumbent has been in office for 30-some years doesn’t mean he or she is the right person for the job. Guess that whole live and learn saying rang true for me. And while I realize there are only a few days before Nov. 2 gets here, please do yourself a favor and, if you intend to vote, make sure you do some research. Going to the polls without any knowledge of who the candidates are and what they stand for is like walking into a final exam at school without ever having cracked a book.
Also, just because the option to vote party lines is there doesn’t mean you have to use it. These days, I find it hard to believe that any one person agrees or disagrees with either perspective entirely. Don’t be lazy. Get to know the candidates, the issues and go into your polling place knowing exactly who and what you’re supporting. After all, this is our country and we have to live with it until the next election rolls around … so let’s make it the best that it can be. And remember, every vote does count.
Jennie Oemig,
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
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