I am early voting today. I expect the lines to be long. For me, voting is an important part of my participation in our democracy. I vote in every election whether they are local, state-wide, or national. I’ve studied the issues and my choices are clear. I won’t spend much time in my voting space. Where I vote, we use electronic voting machines. We’re given a pencil with an eraser. We use the eraser to mark our choices on the screen. When I’m finished voting I will have a chance to review my choices. Once I’ve reviewed them I mark submit ballot. A computerized completed ballot is printed. I take this ballot to the clerk and I submit the ballot into another electronic device where my vote is registered. I receive a copy of my ballot and I return the pencil. I’ll pick up an “I voted” sticker and proudly wear it throughout the day. Voting is a big deal. If you’re in the U.S. I hope you are registered to vote and vote. Each vote makes a difference.
voting
Exercising Your Right: The Significance of Voting in Elections
I voted today in a runoff election. I early voted so I won’t know if my candidate won or lost until next week. Before I voted, I went online to make sure I understood the positions of both candidates. Once I read their platforms I was ready to cast my vote. Early voting is held at a nearby library, so I get two for one. I get to vote and I get to peruse the new books. Wherever you live, if you have a chance to vote, vote! If you live in the U.S. we may or may not agree on candidates, but we can agree that voting is a hard earned right. When it’s time for you to vote, I hope you’ll be at your polling place to cast your vote.
Today’s Thought: Voting is a Human Right
I voted today. It was a school board election. I never pass up an opportunity to vote. Voting is both a right and a privilege. My candidates don’t always win. At least my voice will be heard through my vote. When we vote, we are casting a vote for our preferred candidate(s) and we are simultaneously casting (though not counted) a vote for democracy. When the opportunity presents itself to you, vote. Exercise your human right to express your voice for the candidate(s) of your choice. The right to vote is too precious to ignore.
Thinking Out Loud ~ Voting is a Right and Responsibility
One Vote Can Make a Difference
Margaret Atwood in her commencement speech writes, “If enough people show by the issues they raise and by the way they’re willing to vote that they want changes made, then change becomes possible. You may not be able to alter reality, but you can alter your attitude towards it, and this, paradoxically, alters reality.”
Margaret Atwood’s commencement speech is available here.
NOTE: Voting is both a duty and a right in a democracy. When we vote we are saying, “I think that this man or woman will best serve our community or nation.” When we do not carry out our duty and responsibility to vote we leave the choice in the hands of others. We forfeit our great right. One vote doesn’t seem like much; when it is added to the votes of others it can make a great difference. If we commit ourselves to working for candidates we feel will make a positive difference we can alter reality. Things do not have to stay as they are. Things can become better.
Something to Think About
Early voting has started in Texas with election day just two weeks ahead. I take voting seriously. I like to inform myself about the candidates and their positions. I don’t care for the negative ads I see on TV. I view negative ads as half-truths that tell me nothing about either candidate. Voting is a honor and one to take seriously. I’m happy I have choices to make. I may not vote for all winning candidates, but knowing I have a chance to express my viewpoint is a fundamental right in a democracy.
