2008 Woodie Awards
If you want to be heard, then vote
Lyndsay marvin
Issue date: 11/7/07 Section: Opinion
- Page 1 of 1
The first Tuesday after the first Monday of November is more than just a Tuesday. It's a day of honor, freedom and support.
This year, Election Day falls on Nov. 6. The argument that a number of people I know make is that one vote doesn't matter. They say that there are so many votes, and theirs won't make a difference, so it's not worth their time to go to the polls that are 5 minutes away.
So here is my argument against that. I am against the war in Iraq. However, against it or not, there are men and women who risk their lives every day for this country. Regardless of if you support the war or not, it is our responsibility back home to participate in voting. If you're against the war, why not vote for somebody who is against it as well to pull the troops out? Or if you're for the war, vote for somebody who is for the war to keep the troops in.
In previous wars there have been men and women who fought for our freedom. The World wars, and especially the Revolutionary war, were fought for our freedom.
I remember when I was a little girl on the fourth of July with my grandparents. We were at a parade and I didn't stand up as the flags went by. So they took me to see "The Patriot." From then on, I knew it was my responsibility to vote. People risked their lives for us to have that privilege, and many of us don't use it. It seems unsupportive to me.
Also, if you don't vote, you have no right to say anything about politics. I'm sure that doesn't sit well with some people, but it makes sense. If you're willing to have an opinion and take time to express that, why not take time out to make that heard?
One vote does count. They all count. Take for instance, the Clearview school district election a year or so ago. The school levy lost by one vote. One vote. I think that's evidence enough to get to the polls.
So on Nov. 6, take 5 or 10 minutes out of your day to do something that really matters. Show your support and make a difference. If you don't feel like you impacted anything afterwards, at least you experienced it. Take it as an opportunity to be a proud American citizen.
This year, Election Day falls on Nov. 6. The argument that a number of people I know make is that one vote doesn't matter. They say that there are so many votes, and theirs won't make a difference, so it's not worth their time to go to the polls that are 5 minutes away.
So here is my argument against that. I am against the war in Iraq. However, against it or not, there are men and women who risk their lives every day for this country. Regardless of if you support the war or not, it is our responsibility back home to participate in voting. If you're against the war, why not vote for somebody who is against it as well to pull the troops out? Or if you're for the war, vote for somebody who is for the war to keep the troops in.
In previous wars there have been men and women who fought for our freedom. The World wars, and especially the Revolutionary war, were fought for our freedom.
I remember when I was a little girl on the fourth of July with my grandparents. We were at a parade and I didn't stand up as the flags went by. So they took me to see "The Patriot." From then on, I knew it was my responsibility to vote. People risked their lives for us to have that privilege, and many of us don't use it. It seems unsupportive to me.
Also, if you don't vote, you have no right to say anything about politics. I'm sure that doesn't sit well with some people, but it makes sense. If you're willing to have an opinion and take time to express that, why not take time out to make that heard?
One vote does count. They all count. Take for instance, the Clearview school district election a year or so ago. The school levy lost by one vote. One vote. I think that's evidence enough to get to the polls.
So on Nov. 6, take 5 or 10 minutes out of your day to do something that really matters. Show your support and make a difference. If you don't feel like you impacted anything afterwards, at least you experienced it. Take it as an opportunity to be a proud American citizen.
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