To the Editor:
There are a number of registered voters who are exhausted at the loud noises of campaigns. Phone calls are welcomed up to a point and then they are not answered. Walkers to the homes are often greeted kindly, but for some voters are one more contact and interruption in their daily lives.
Trust me – there are many campaign weary callers, walkers and letter writers. None of these activities stop involved citizens from voting because they do not want to lose their right to speak and their views and voices matter in a democracy.
To choose not to go to the polls, when that right was fought for at the signing of the U.S. Constitution, feeds those who are working to return to the Constitution when only states determined who voted and, in the beginning, only white male property owners were allowed.
For the people and by the people does not work when large numbers don’t vote.
Register to vote and show up to cast a ballot. Even if it is only to vote for one candidate, your vote is important to all candidates. You voted even though they don’t know who your vote was for, they know you cared enough to cast a vote. Your vote mattered.
In voting, rich or poor, university degree or not, in prison or not, at war or not, sick or not, working or out of work, young or old, property owner or not, your voice through your vote has equal power. Voting is the moment when true equality exists. All votes are counted with equal value. Cast your ballot and you are as powerful as the President of the United States.
Your vote is anonymous, but your name says you are a person and your vote gives you power.
Look at yourself in the mirror and see the value and power of your vote.
You matter as a person, your vote affirms that value, and the Statue of Liberty carries it in her torch. Vote to show everyone, even yourself, that you are powerful because you matter.
