By Neal Lemery
I like to think that what is important to me gets listened to, and maybe is even seen as having some social value. Voting is a big part of that. Like all elections, the upcoming election is important, and will change our community and our nation. Each of us has a voice in that, if we choose to get involved.
In Oregon, you can easily and quickly register on-line to vote. https://secure.sos.state.or.us/orestar/vr/register.do. You can also register to vote in person at the county clerk’s office at the courthouse. They are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. October 15 is the last day to do that.
Oregon has a long history of vote by mail. I’ve found the system to be incredibly convenient, private, and secure. My ballot shows up in the mail, a few days after the voters’ pamphlet. My own voting ritual is to sit down with a cold drink, and the voters’ pamphlet. I read it from cover to cover, familiarizing myself with the candidates and the various ballot measures. I’m a news junkie, so I’ve already had lots of reading and other exposure to the media and more than enough ads. I also connect with informed friends, soliciting their viewpoints. If I don’t think I know enough to make an intelligent decision, I’ll do some more research.
I’m biased against candidates who don’t contribute their information to the voters’ pamphlet. I’ve run for office a number of times, and felt it was my duty as a candidate to share information and my views with the voters, all of the voters. Candidates who don’t do that strike me as being secretive and manipulative, and disrespectful of the voters. They don’t get my consideration.
In a quiet moment, I take out my ballot and mark it accordingly. If I’m not sure on a candidate or a ballot measure, I’ll go back and do some more studying. It’s rare that I’ll leave a race or a measure blank. Part of my job as a voter is to have an informed opinion. In a few minutes, I’m done. I stuff the ballot envelope, sign and date the envelope and stick it in the outgoing mailbox, postage prepaid.
Sometimes, I mail it, but, more likely, I’ll find one of the county clerk’s ballot boxes. I know that works, as only the clerk’s office has the keys and the ballot gets officially checked in right away. Either way, I’ve voted, done my civic duty, and can truly ignore all the political ads on TV. Doing my civic duty and being done with ads, all in the same delicious moment.
Back in the day when we voted at the neighborhood school, the elections clerk would solemnly guide me to putting my ballot in the time worn wooden ballot box with a padlock, and then announce to the room that “Mr. Lemery has voted”. Much to my wife’s amusement, I make that same announcement to our living room, as I put my completed ballot and envelope in the outgoing mail basket. I like tradition.
“5 reasons why you should vote in any election
“Ultimately, voting in any election gives you the opportunity to create positive change. Voting can open a plethora of doors that will pave the way for advocacy transformations that begin with one’s self. Here are five reasons why you should vote in any election:
“1. Actively voting protects your voter rights.
“2. Your daily life and your family’s future are impacted.
“3. One vote can decide it all.
“4. Decide on how your money is spent.
“5. Be a voice for those who cannot vote.
Change starts with us and our voices should be heard.” © 2024. Leadership for Educational Equity. All Rights Reserved.
https://wearelee.org/blog/your-vote-matters-5-reasons-why-you-should-vote-in-any-election/
When I vote, I have a say in how governments function in my town, in my state, and in my country. I get to choose to be taxed to support important things in my life and my community that matter (schools, police and fire, essential public utilities, roads), and some important laws. I have a voice in who the decisionmakers are. My voting affects our culture, and our families and neighbors. It is a check and balance against the bureaucrats and the power hungry; it can be a voice of reform and justice.
When this country was founded, only white male landowners could vote, and they had to pay a poll tax to cast their ballots. Senators weren’t elected by voters. We didn’t get to vote on new laws, or to repeal old, bad laws. Few people felt they had an important voice in how their communities were governed. Now, a lot more Americans have voting rights; we are a more democratic society. I equate those rights with more freedom, more liberty. Voting gives me a voice and some political clout. Politicians and lawmakers have to pay attention to us. I submit that collectively, we as a society make better, more carefully analyzed decisions when the electorate is both numerous and vocal. We strive to have well-funded public schools so that future voters are well-informed and have sharp critical thinking skills.
If I don’t like how things are run, I can work with others to put new legislation on the ballot, and levy taxes to pay for services I think are good for all of us. I can run for office, and get my own ideas out there in the political marketplace for discussion, and maybe agreement. We voters have serious political pull and elections are a time for us to speak up and be counted.
We’ve made it incredibly easy to be a vital part of the political and electoral process. It takes five minutes to register to vote, and maybe another half hour to thoughtfully cast your ballot. Each vote matters, each voice matters. You can make a difference for the future of our community and our country.
Books: NEW book – BE THE CHANGE – One Random Act of Kindness at a Time; Neal’s other books include: Building Community: Rural Voices for Hope and Change; Finding My Muse on Main Street, Homegrown Tomatoes, and Mentoring Boys to Men
