Based on the fundamental human right to vote freely, democracy is the best model of self-government in human history and a way of life.
The elections are in two weeks. Whether you are a Democrat, Republican, or Independent, it is imperative that you register, vote, and participate in the nation’s electoral process. Because democracy is founded on the fundamental human right to vote freely, it is a way of life and the best example of self-governance in human history.
Even though the presidential, senate, and congressional races still dominate the public discourse and mainstream media, it is impossible to overlook the inherent power and influence embedded in local races. Decisions about politics and policy are made at the base of the pyramid.
Since the republic’s founding in 1776, there is no question that many local and national elections have been decided by a single vote or a small number of votes.
At the national level, one vote can have the following effects:
In 1800, Thomas Jefferson won the presidency by a single vote in the House of Representatives after a tie in the Electoral College.
In 1824, Andrew Jackson won the presidential popular vote but lost to John Quincy Adams by one vote in the House of Representatives after an Electoral College tie.
More recently, in 2000, the presidential election was decided by a very narrow margin. After winning Florida by just 537 votes, George W. Bush was elected as the next president of the United States. Almost 6 million people voted in Florida. Every vote mattered, even if it was not by a single vote.
Voters in Minnesota cast 2.9 million ballots in the 2008 US Senate election. Democratic candidate Al Franken defeated Republican Senator Norm Coleman by 312 votes, less than 1/1000th of 1%, in his bid for a second term..This was the closest Senate race of the 2008 Senate election cycle and one of the closest in the nation’s history.
Additionally, Joe Biden narrowly defeated Donald Trump in the most recent general election in 2020, winning Georgia by 49.47% of the vote, a margin of 0.23% and just 11,779 votes, making him the 46th president of the United States.
Do not undervalue your influence or that of the general public in determining the direction and policies of this wonderful nation.
Please give your city hall a call as soon as you can to volunteer to serve as an election judge. It is a fairly straightforward procedure that aligns with the values of a vibrant, involved populace.
As a community, we must actively participate in our nation’s electoral process. You can guarantee that our elections are impartial, open, and above reproach by volunteering to be an election judge.
In order to increase civic engagement and community service at the local level in the community at large, I hope you will join me in a nationwide outreach initiative.
Every citizen’s vote, including yours, counts. It can make a difference.
Exercise your right to vote and be an exemplar for family, friends and the next generation to follow.
