No sympathy for voters’ apathy: Your vote matters

What’s happened to us? Many citizens of Carson City were whining after the results of the June 5 primary, even the complacent “registered” 3,305 non-voters, who didn’t brave the sunny weather.

Pardon their whining, though, because on a perfect day to vote, only 30 percent (9,058) out of 30,388 registered voters actually went to the polls to practice what I consider to be their civic duty.

In one word: Pitiful!

Our Declaration of Independence states that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. ... That to secure these rights, Governemnts are instituted among Men. Deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. ... That whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government..."

On Nov. 6 we will have the opportunity to exercise our rights as citizens and cast our ballots for the person we think will best guide us through the next two to six-year cycle, and perhaps beyond.

None of us knows what the outcome will be. But each of us who votes does so with our hearts, minds, and prayers in the hopes that whichever candidate wins, he or she, will be a worthy steward of the power invested in them to represent the citizens.

How do we establish new government, new leaders? Vote Homer! Duh!!

We can’t afford to be so lackadaisical to take this “privilege” for granted. There are so many citizens in other countries who are so envious of Americans’ right to vote, and the democratic lifestyle we live by.

Yet, we seemingly apathetic patriots to the red, white and blue disregard and disrespect this honor. In some other countries, politicians are “appointed” by the central government, then their policies are dictated to them.

They have no voice in determining who will lead them. They simply follow who and/or has been put in place... like a puppet being controlled by its puppeteer. They do not have the liberty to vote. We do!! Take advantage of it, and do not neglect it!

Each and every American 18 years old and above must cherish this right!!

Remember our forefathers’ words: (my interpretation) ... Our rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are derived from the government that we, The People, put in place.

In Nevada we have early voting, which starts Oct. 20 through Nov. 2. Please let your voice be heard. Cast your ballot, even on a stormy day! Otherwise what are you itching about? Just let your apathy guide you. What’s happened to us?

So before you decide your vote doesn’t matter, consider the outcome where one vote has made the difference:

— In 1776, English was chosen over German as the language for America by one vote.

— In 1800, after an electoral college tie, the House of Representatives voted Thomas Jefferson the third President of the United States by one vote.

— In 1868, President Andrew Johnson was saved from impeachment by one vote.

— In 1876, Rutherford B. Hayes became President of the United States over Samuel Tilden by one vote.

— In 1948, Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th President, became a U.S. Senator by one vote.

— California, Idaho, Oregon, Texas and Washington all became states by one vote.

As you consider your vote in this Nov. 6 election, ask yourself if you matter, if your one vote, your one life, matters. Be honest.

And if, after careful consideration, you still choose to “sit this one out,” check out that seat you’re keeping warm. Seat warming, whether on Nov. 6 or elsewhere in your life, may seem like a spirit.

I believe it is our moral and ethical duty to participate in our electoral process. So, regardless of who you vote for, I implore you, the registered 30,388 voters, to vote on Tuesday, Nov. 6 and to encourage comfortable choice in the short-term; but in the long run, it is lethal to the light of your people in your community to vote as well.