MITCH STURGEON
Author and Blogger Living With MS
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I have strong political opinions, which I choose not to share here, so that this remains a welcome space for conservatives, independents, liberals, libertarians, librarians, Liberians, and everyone else.
My “get out the vote” message is nonpartisan. No matter whether you believe we have too many immigrants or too few immigrants, taxes are too high or too low, Trump is a breath of fresh air or the worst president ever, if you are eligible to vote, election day is your chance to do something about it, to have your say. If you decide it’s not worth your time, you have no right to complain about the government you get.
But it’s more profound than that. Sure, voting is a right that our countrymen and women have fought and died for. Sure, it’s a responsibility of living in a democracy. You already know these things. But have you considered the personal benefits of voting, win or lose? Voting is cathartic. By voting, you exercise your influence. You impose your will, if ever so slightly. The impact of your vote might be no greater than the impact of leaning hard against an iceberg. The iceberg might not move much, but when you and like-minded people push hard enough, together you make real change, and it feels good to have been a participant instead of a bystander.
So, if you don’t want to educate yourself on the issues and the candidates, and cast a vote, you’re not only letting your country down, but you’re letting yourself down. You’re passing on the opportunity to feel good about something, to have at least tried to make the world better, whatever that means to you.
Do it. Vote, then come back here and let me know how it felt.
6 Replies to “Vote!”
Hi Mitch,
I live abroad and vote with my absentee ballot. I feel voting is a responsibility and a gift, a
priviledge of democracy. I like your analogy of pushing the iceberg. It felt good, like I was hopefully helping others. I don’t live there (left in 1981), but love the US. My vote is a way I can show appreciation and caring, having grown up in such a beautiful environment there.
Thank you for this blog post. Be well.
Judy, how wonderful that, although you live abroad, you make it a point to vote. Thanks for sharing.
My friend’s sister married a naturalized citizen. He felt so strongly about his right to vote that his family arranged to have him taken to his polling place by ambulance in 2016. He passed away shortly after election day. He was an inspiration to all who saw his story on their local news station.
At this point I vote by absentee ballot. It’s not as thrilling as voting in person but at least I get it done. So important!
what a story! If only naturally born citizens had the same zest for voting that naturalized citizens do…
Hiya Mitch! Agree completely with you on exercising the right to vote. I voted. Washington state has a very nifty mail-in ballot for everyone, no postage required. Sure seems like a simpler way to go about it that may improve participation. People without a place to receive mail can go to a polling station so they are not disenfranchised.
Darren, I agree. It sounds like Washington’s approach would facilitate the greatest participation.
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