Voting = Epic Win!
There are only so many opportunities that any one person has to impose their
will on something as large and abstract as the whole of society. For some,
society is too abstract, too big to fathom, and they let opportunities slip away
due to feelings of inadequacy or a sense of hopelessness. To which opportunities
am I referring? I am talking about voting, of course. This single institution
can guide a nation, lead its people, even influence the entire world by virtue
of our country's status. And yet, many of us, at least half every election,
choose to stay home on election day, or find some excuse not to perform their
civic duty. For those that choose to face the lines, or deal with the sometimes
difficult ballots, or with the pesky reporters and their "exit polls", the
reward is not immediately realized. Except for that inner awareness, that sense
of duty fulfilled, and knowledge that you at least had your say. In a world
where so many do not have a chance to determine their own fate, let alone elect
their leaders, Americans must learn to value this amazing opportunity.
On a personal note, I am working for a campaign to get a school bond passed
so we can build new facilities, incorporate better technology, and create
cutting-edge learning environments for our school district. Unbelievably, these
small, local elections and issues are even more sparsely attended than the
presidential elections every four years. Now tell me, how does this make sense?
The one time someone has to directly impact their own community, their future,
their own pocketbook, and they simply refuse to show up. I have actually been
told that getting this bond passed will be tougher this year because it is on
the same day as a presidential election, because many "no" votes would stay home
otherwise. Huh? More people are concerned about the presidential election than
one that impacts their own taxes and children directly? Well, it is true, oddly
enough.
If you'll notice just below are two familiar looking faces, and clicking on
either one will transport you to a personal endorsement of each candidate from a
Popzara staff member who supports them. I am sure that where you live,
there are local candidates and other issues on your ballot this year. Do
yourself and your community and your country a favor...get out there and cast
your vote. You'll get that sense of accomplishment, for sure, but you might also
just change the world a tiny little bit. Now wouldn't that be nice?
