I put my money where my mouth was. A while back I said that we all needed to get more involved in the politics of this country, and try to convince the politicians of this country that we were tired of the "Political party and me first" attitude of most of the politicians out there.
So, I went out and found a candidate who believed the same thing, and I have been supporting him this year in our local elections. It's been quite an education. And, today, I got one of the most discouraging lessons that I could have imagined. I'm checking to make sure, but this is what happened.
We did a literature drop in my candidate's district this morning. We had a list of all of the registered voters, Democrat, Republican, Independent and Blank, in the district and we each took a specific area, and were supposed to hit all of the homes of these voters. What absolutely destroyed me was that, while doing this drop, I found that I was only hitting about 20% of the houses on my assigned streets. What the heck? I really hope that these county rolls are wrong, because I find it so very hard to believe that only 20% of the voters in my area are even bothering to register to vote.
I happen to believe that we should work for change within the system, but, how can we, when there are so few of us who even care enough to participate? It's too late for this year, but, please, register to vote for next year's election, and work hard to convince everyone you know to register, also. I don't care how you vote, but, we, the 99%, have to express our opinion, and voting is the very best way to do that.
Update - I emailed my candidate and asked if this was, indeed, all of the registered voters and the answer I got back was somewhat heartening. The houses that we were dropping literature off at represented those who "sometimes" voted in off-year elections. Those who voted every year were not included, because they vote anyways. Still, he also told me that in off-year elections, only about 30% of the registered voters show up at the polls.
It's at the grass roots level that we can have the most effect. So, remember to look at your candidates and be sure to get out and vote this year for the candidate who best represents your beliefs.
9 comments:
I have been registered to vote since I was a minute over 18! Each time I have moved I have made it a point to get registered in that state right away. I don't think of it as a duty as much as a priviledge.
I guess we know how that phrase "silent majority" came to be, huh? Pitiful.
Here in Canada, many of the 'Occupy' participants are young people. Yet young voters failed to turn out at the last election. If they had all exercised their right to vote, the election outcome would have been different.
We've been involved since we were old enough to vote, and it is sad but true. In Brockport, most of the candidates are running unaposed as people just don't want to run for office in this community.
Voting seems like the very least we can do, so how can someone not even vote?
AMEN and well said...
When I hear someone gripping and moaning about an elected official..the first thing I do is ask them if they voted. Surprisingly this shuts most of the whiners up!! If you don't vote you don't get to whine.
Hugs C
A timely post that should be posted EVERY ELECTION! It's good that you are taking action, and THANK YOU!
Rick
isnt it sad that people do not vote every year
I think I missed once due to not bing able to get to the polling place before it closed ( long day at work + commute horrid traffic = missing out)
After that I switched to mail in ballot and now the whole county is mail - in.
You did the right thing Louise, be very proud
I admire you for getting involved Louise! I have to admit to having gotten pretty 'wrapped up' in the last election, and will no doubt do it for this one too. But I don't understand why people don't realize how lucky they are to be able to vote, and each vote truly does count!
This precisely where our power is.....the vote. The whole 'occupy' movement is led by young people mostly and this is a start to 'wake up' the rest of the younger generation to take an active role in all elections. I do see the importance of the 'local' community elections. Good that you are setting an example.
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