Today is election day. I have voted. I wouldn’t miss this grand opportunity in this free country of America. It is my right and if I don’t take this important step, I could easily lose this right.
The United States Constitution guarantees citizens the right to vote. There are people in countries who cannot vote, do not have a voice and as a result, are oppressed people. In America, we are free and by our own “choices”, our government is made and set up. We choose who will rule our affairs. We, as a group, as a Nation elect those who will make extremely important decisions concerning our freedom, our economy and our lives. We must vote. We must.
Without wavering, and without even thinking about this opportunity, we must vote else we sacrifice our wonderful way of life.
According to Casey Mulligan and Charles Hunter, economists, votes matter and a candidate can win by one single vote. In their study of 16,577 national elections from 1898-1992 a Democrat received 20,685 to the Republican’s claim of 20,684. In state legislative actions, 7 elections were determined by one vote so we must take seriously our right to vote.
There has been a time in our Nation that not all were permitted to vote in the United States but when the Republicans passed the 15th Amendment which codified the right to vote throughout the US giving “all” citizens this important right ” in 1870, our country was on it’s way to full freedom for all. Unfortunately, Jim Crow laws tried to avert this decision but in 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965 prohibiting discrimination in voting which basically stopped Jim Crow type laws giving freedom to all for voting. This act was “designed to enforce the voting rights guaranteed by the 14th and 15th amendment” . (Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia).
“The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.”
When you think about the fact that in 1986, Nebb Eldwayen won the city council seat by one vote in Pismo Beach, CA, it helps us see that our one vote counts. The votes were 1,099-1,088 and the win went to “Landside Nebb”. Nov. 4, 1986.
I hope you’ll vote on election day. It is your right. If you don’t vote, you could lose that right and then what?
Josie