The Value of Your Vote This Election Year
Dennis AuBuchon
October 27, 2008
The value of your vote in this election year is more important than ever before. The choices we have will change the course of our country. This is not just for the Presidency but also for our Senators and Representatives. Our country is in a state of financial crisis and the choices we make on November 4, 2008 will decide the road we take to recovery. Both candidates for President have different paths, which they have developed to address the present crisis. While I do not take any value in polls as to the status of either candidate, I do feel that every vote can make a difference in the path our country chooses. Polls, in my opinion, do not hold any value except for a point in time. Poll results are dependent upon the population within the poll taken. Different results can or will be achieved based upon the makeup of the population. Things can change fast and people´s opinions of candidates and their positions on the issues can change fast dependent upon events of the day.
As in two previous articles, I have written on the election choices this year integrity and character should be foremost in our minds when we make our voting decisions. This applies to all levels of elections from local to state and federal. Our individual votes have a say in what the results of elections will be. Some may say that I am only one vote but if you look at the fact that one vote in each county of each state can change the result of an election. If the election goes the way it is projected to every vote will count more so than before. In any close election as is predicted, those who vote have greater impact on the results. One vote has changed election results in the past and can in the next election.
Voting is a privilege we should not take lightly as there are many in the rest of the world who do not have the choices we have to help change the course of our country. Every vote we cast as individuals proclaims our opinion on what course our country should take by the choices we make. The candidates for President have some similarities in their approach to issues of the day and they have major differences in others. They do not necessarily disagree on what the issues are but the difference is their approach to resolve or address them in the next administration. This applies not only the office of President but also those running for Congress. Each candidate for each office has a position on the issues. Our votes will help to determine the approach Congress and the President will take on the issues and we must make sure the positions they have are the ones we want our country to take.
Regardless of election predictions, our individual vote matters. Concerning those running for Congress it has an important task/responsibility to pass legislation and allocate the funds to address the needs of the American people. We need to elect or re-elect individuals who have a proven record of voting their conscience and not their party line. Many may not realize it but Congress is the one who initiates legislation, not the President. The President can propose legislation through the annual budget submitted to Congress but if Congress does not enact the legislation, it is not going to happen.
Though I have said that I do not take stock in poll results, it is no secret that the American people are not happy with the actions of Congress and the President. The constant battle in Congress between the parties does not get the public´s business accomplished. Let us make our voices heard by taking the initiative to vote for those who we think worthy to serve us in their capacity whether it is at the local, state or federal level. It does not matter whom we vote for but that we vote. Some individuals are discouraged with the present political process and the negative campaigning by all parties at all levels. This should not deter them from making their choices known and have an impact on the election results. I believe in the principle that one person can make a difference and one vote at a time can make a difference in the outcome of an election. It has happened before and will happen again whether it is in this election or another in the future.
I have been primarily talking about the national election but our votes count in any local or state election. Many times, there are issues on state or local ballots, which affect the course of a state or a community. Statewide issues sometimes call for only a majority and if we fail to vote, we may not like the outcome. If an issue is important to us, it is important for us to vote on it so those who placed the issue on the ballot know our voice. It is our duty to help decide state and local issues as well as national ones. Our votes at the state and local level have a more direct impact and carry more weight as it is closer to home, and can affect us more directly.
As in two previous articles, I have written on the election choices this year integrity and character should be foremost in our minds when we make our voting decisions. This applies to all levels of elections from local to state and federal. Our individual votes have a say in what the results of elections will be. Some may say that I am only one vote but if you look at the fact that one vote in each county of each state can change the result of an election. If the election goes the way it is projected to every vote will count more so than before. In any close election as is predicted, those who vote have greater impact on the results. One vote has changed election results in the past and can in the next election.
Voting is a privilege we should not take lightly as there are many in the rest of the world who do not have the choices we have to help change the course of our country. Every vote we cast as individuals proclaims our opinion on what course our country should take by the choices we make. The candidates for President have some similarities in their approach to issues of the day and they have major differences in others. They do not necessarily disagree on what the issues are but the difference is their approach to resolve or address them in the next administration. This applies not only the office of President but also those running for Congress. Each candidate for each office has a position on the issues. Our votes will help to determine the approach Congress and the President will take on the issues and we must make sure the positions they have are the ones we want our country to take.
Regardless of election predictions, our individual vote matters. Concerning those running for Congress it has an important task/responsibility to pass legislation and allocate the funds to address the needs of the American people. We need to elect or re-elect individuals who have a proven record of voting their conscience and not their party line. Many may not realize it but Congress is the one who initiates legislation, not the President. The President can propose legislation through the annual budget submitted to Congress but if Congress does not enact the legislation, it is not going to happen.
Though I have said that I do not take stock in poll results, it is no secret that the American people are not happy with the actions of Congress and the President. The constant battle in Congress between the parties does not get the public´s business accomplished. Let us make our voices heard by taking the initiative to vote for those who we think worthy to serve us in their capacity whether it is at the local, state or federal level. It does not matter whom we vote for but that we vote. Some individuals are discouraged with the present political process and the negative campaigning by all parties at all levels. This should not deter them from making their choices known and have an impact on the election results. I believe in the principle that one person can make a difference and one vote at a time can make a difference in the outcome of an election. It has happened before and will happen again whether it is in this election or another in the future.
I have been primarily talking about the national election but our votes count in any local or state election. Many times, there are issues on state or local ballots, which affect the course of a state or a community. Statewide issues sometimes call for only a majority and if we fail to vote, we may not like the outcome. If an issue is important to us, it is important for us to vote on it so those who placed the issue on the ballot know our voice. It is our duty to help decide state and local issues as well as national ones. Our votes at the state and local level have a more direct impact and carry more weight as it is closer to home, and can affect us more directly.
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