Beech Tree News Network

Next Tuesday is Election Day. I’ve seen the television ads, read the newspaper and other information sources about the candidates. I’m 75% certain of how I will vote; but, new information could change my mind. For me, voting is a serious responsibility.

Election Day is a civic holiday in some states, including Kentucky. People have different thoughts about our right to vote. Many have shared their thoughts, and some of those comments include the following (http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/voting.html):
•    Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves, and the only way they could do this is by not voting. --Franklin D. Roosevelt
•    I am sure that every one of my colleagues - Democrat, Republican, and Independent - agrees with that statement. That in the voting booth, everyone is equal. --Barbara Boxer
•    I think that when Americans go to vote, states should not list what party the candidates are affiliated with. That would require voters to actually think and get to know a candidate instead of voting for their favorite gang. 'Oh, this guy is a Republican, so he must be good.' --Jesse Ventura
•    If American women would increase their voting turnout by ten percent, I think we would see an end to all of the budget cuts in programs benefiting women and children. --Coretta Scott King
•    Democracy is not just voting for your leaders; it's really premised upon ordinary citizens understanding the issues. --Howard Rheingold
•    I love voting day. I love the sight of my fellow citizens lining up to make their voices heard. --Beth Broderick

I asked friends and family why they feel – or don’t feel – that it’s important to vote. Their responses are below:
•    I feel it is very important to vote. Voting is a privilege, one that could be taken away. We are only a free nation as long as we hold our leaders accountable. If you don’t vote, you shouldn’t complain.
•    Voting is an exercise of choice, the sum of which is the selection of an object, act, behavior, or representative. It is the act of making a decision based on the best available information, which may or may not reflect the reality of the choice selected. For the sake of simplicity, voting is the performance of a civic responsibility which should be exercised to speak out on a topic. I choose to vote.
•    I won’t vote unless I feel that there is room for improvement through someone else. I’m not very deep into politics, but I will definitely be voting in the presidential election.
•    I’m not answering on the grounds that it might incriminate me! I don’t get into politics and know very little about the candidates.
•    Voting is a right that was given to us by God and codified in this country’s laws. It is one way to influence our country and its culture. We were told by Jesus to be salt and light. That means we are to actively participate in our culture. We are supposed to use our influence to further his kingdom and do good to those around us. We can make a difference for good when we vote and that is why everyone should educate themselves on the candidates’ positions, pray about it, then vote.
•    It is important to vote to “try” to get people into office who will make decisions and laws that will benefit the majority of citizens. The problem is that candidates are seldom truthful and are often self-serving.
•    Voting is important, but choices are often discouraging.
•    I believe it is important to vote if it is truly your decision (not someone else’s, such as family persuasion) and if you are somewhat knowledgeable or informed about the reason or person. It is a responsibility as well as a right that not everyone on this planet has, so it is special and should be taken seriously!
•    It is very, very important to vote. One should be informed about the issues and consider facts, not the politics. It is distressing that so many of us don’t vote yet complain about what is wrong with our country.
•    Well, I wish it was important so the American people could have a say in how our government is run. But, unfortunately, that isn’t the case. So, with this country in the shape it’s in, I don’t think it really matters if we vote or not.
•    It’s important to be informed on governmental issues in the state and the country. Plus, you have no room for complaining about anything if you don’t research candidates and vote! Voting is a blessing and a freedom.
•    Voting is very important! We are blessed to live in a country that offers this right and responsibility – thanks to veterans who fought to protect our rights. I wear my voting sticker proudly, and we give suckers at school to students who bring in a family member’s voting sticker the next day.
•    I’ve always heard people say you have no right to complain if you don’t vote. Also, we should appreciate the freedom to vote enough to take it seriously, educate ourselves, and go to the polls.
•    One of the main reasons to vote is that it’s your right! You have a right to decide who you want to be in charge of your country, state, and federal government. It’s very important to choose a candidate who will represent your best interest. While too many candidates today pander to select groups to get votes based on specific issues, most of the time these political talking points only come up during election years. They are put back in the sack again until the next election cycle begins when the whole thing starts again. They never intended to do anything about those issues. Although both parties share the blame in the recent non-functioning government, one party places too much emphasis on gutting programs for the poor, elderly, veterans, etc., while giving tax breaks to the corporations and the very, very wealthy. To me, it’s not about a party as much as what’s right and wrong for the American people. One party is wrong about many issues: wanting to go to war, social security, and minimum wage – I could go on and on. I don’t think honor is the reason any of the candidates enter politics any more. When I vote – with things the way they are, I just try to go with the lesser of the two evils.
•    I believe that if you don’t vote, you have no right to complain. Voting is the way we are represented; if we choose not to be represented, then we are choosing to give up our opinion. Patriotic Americans realize the sacrifices made by people in the past to ensure the rights we enjoy today. To dismiss or disregard the right to vote is basically unpatriotic. Since political issues affect our lives, it’s important to vote on every issue. We’re all in this together and should contribute to the opinion pool.

Jeff Miller said, “According to the U.S. Census, the most common reason people give for not voting is that they were too busy or had conflicting work or school schedules” (http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/voting.html). These are understandable reasons. However, since we have nearly a week before Election Day, let’s learn as much as possible about the candidates and plan our schedules so that we can vote. It’s important.