Mid-terms on the Horizon

Everywhere we look we are being pestered by political ads.  They are in the mail, they are on television, they are broadcasted over the radio, and they are on billboards throughout the country.  These advertisements are designed to sway our decisions come election time and they also let us know that the midterm elections are right around the corner.

The Right to Vote

Voting is the foundation of our society, and it is a way for everyone to ensure they have a small voice in how our communities are governed.  We elect officials who are meant to represent us and the views of most of the people they represent.  We also have the right to vote on issues from tax laws to zoning laws.   There are countless amendments in the Bill or Rights that focus on voting and ensures that every American citizen has the right, assuming it has not been stripped away by violating our laws.  Our voting system is designed to be confidential, and no one must know who or for what you voted.  Discussing your individual vote is entirely up to you.  However, countless organizations and group exist who try to convince you to vote for their cause.  This is both a good and bad thing.  People have the right to express themselves and to try to convince others to see things the same way they do.  There is nothing wrong with discussion on issues or about candidates if it is done in a respectful manor.  It is okay to disagree and vote in opposition to friends, family members, coworkers, and others.  It is not okay to harass or belittle those with differing opinions.  

Winners and Losers

With every election there are winners and losers.  Not every tax bill passes and there is always a losing candidate.  This can often make voters feel discouraged and sometimes leads people to give up on the process or question its legitimacy.  There has been major doubt casted on the results of the last election; however, to date there has been no tangible proof of fraud.  Additionally, not voting in future elections is not the answer either.  If your issue or position is struck down, you can ignore the fact that you lost or you can act.  The best part of Democracy is there is always another election.  Spend time promoting the issues you are passionate about or find a candidate that you can get people to rally support for and try again.  Convince people that your way is the best way and try again.  There is no law preventing an issue from coming to vote a second time or in an amended and updated form.  Sometimes some small provisions are all it takes to sway the majority of people on a specific issue or candidate.  Instead of being frustrated over a defeat do research and figure out what most people want and see how you can change your issue or stance to accommodate everyone.  Politics is about compromise and for issues to pass and for candidates to get elected they need the support of much of the people.  This can be done through proper research, education, and planning.

Perfect Candidate

There is no such thing as a perfect politician.  Every candidate will have issues you agree with and some you disagree with.  When deciding who to vote for you must consider what a candidate stands for.  Do they have issues you support?  Do they have positions you are admittedly against? Will their decisions be in the best interest of yourself and your family?  There is no right or wrong answers to these subjective questions.  It is a purely personal decision.  People base their decision on a candidate’s stance on abortion, people value a candidate’s tax positions, and others base their decision on a candidate’s position of the role and scope of government intervention.  It is rare for a candidate to represent all our individual values and we must compromise when going to the ballet box.  Additionally, it is important for a candidate to realize they represent all their constituents and not just the ones who voted for them.  If a community is united on an issue, it is the elected official’s responsibility to vote based on his community’s opinion and not his or her own.  A quality candidate and politician need to realize that he speaks for everyone and not himself.  We have seen countless established politicians lose reelection because they vote based on their opinion and not based on the opinion of the people they represent.

The right to vote should not be taken for granted.  Free and fair elections is what has made American the best country to live in.  Yes, the country has been divided on issues at many points in our history but sticking with the democratic process has ensured that the country always remains strong.  Do not get discouraged if you vote with the minority, be proud of your choices and work to convince others that your way is the best.  Finally, always be respectful and graceful in defeat.  There is always the next election and there is always a path for change in our democratic system.