Too many Americans take our freedom for granted. We do! As people in other parts of our world fight and DIE for the right to vote what do we do as Americans…run home to watch TMZ or Wheel of Fortune. Patrick Henry, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, and Noah Webster are rolling over in their graves.
“Many forms of government have been tried, and will be tried in this world of sin and foe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.” Sir Winston Churchill
The final results are not in yet but voter turnout was expected to be 15% today. 15%! Let me put it another way, for every 6 people only 1 of us will determine the direction of or state. Actually, assuming that most general election races (TUESDAY NOVEMBER 2nd) will end up somewhere around a 60/40 split, our elected officials and ballot questions will be voter FOR by approximately 1 in 9 people.
Looking at my own State House District (5th Suffolk) the numbers are even worse. The winner garnered just about 700 votes in a district with just over 19,000 voters and 37,000 residents. Approximately 3.5% of voters and less than 2% of residents have elected their Representative on Beacon Hill. Comparing the 5th to the 4th Suffolk where there was no incumbent, the 5th’s winner would have come in last in the 4th.
FULL DISCLOSURE: As you may know, I attempted to run for this seat as a Republican. However, for a few reasons, not all of which I can give here, I was not successful in getting my name put on the ballot. Let’s just leave the reason as I didn’t get enough signatures.
Voter apathy is not a problem only for the 5th Suffolk. In a time when there are so many important issues that our state and federal governments need to address, our citizens are forfeiting their responsibility to participate in the democratic process.
“People often say that, in a democracy, decisions are made by the majority of the people. Of course, that is not true. Decisions are made by a majority of those who make themselves heard and vote – a very different thing.” Walter Judd
Let’s analyze the voting process to see if we can determine the reason for the low turnout.
- Voters only need to watch the news, read the newspaper (hardcopy or online), or even check their mail/answer their phone to find out when to vote.
- Polls in our state are only open 13 hours.
- Polling precincts are spread out throughout the state that voters need to drive a few miles (if that).
- Ballots are pre-printed requiring voters to either draw a line or fill in a circle.
With all of these obstacles, it’s not wonder why we can’t get more people to vote!
As Americans, we all have the duty to be involved in the political process, even if it as straightforward (yet, ultimately important) as casting a ballot every few years. So, please remember to vote in November and in every election! Remember,
“Democracy is worth dying for, because it’s the most deeply honorable form of government ever devised by man.” Ronald Reagan
