Posted by
JayPeriod on Wednesday, August 29, 2007 9:45:19 PM
In two previous Presidential elections, we have heard the mantra of making every vote count. Whether it was hanging chads in Florida or questionable electronic machines in Ohio, we have been lectured that we must make sure every vote counts. I couldn't agree more.
As someone who works with college-age people on a daily basis, I always hear that they don't want to vote because they don't think their vote counts. They wonder if one vote makes a difference at all. They seem disinterested, disconnected and disenfranchised. Who can blame them? They don't have the slightest idea of how to make a vote count.
Just the other day, a young lady saw me reading Sean Hannity's, "Let Freedom Ring." She asked me what the book was about. After I told her, she asked me if I was really into politics. The short conversation that followed was typical of that age, she stated that she just didn't get as interested as she probably should, but seemed unwilling to do anything about it.
I replied by letting her know that I contact my elected officials several times a month. In fact, my congressman even writes me emails on issues he knows I'm interested in. This really surprised her. Then, I made a statement that I wish more young people could hear and realize.
"That's how you make every vote count; contact your representatives and let them know how you feel about legislation."
It really is that simple, yet most people don't take the time. They think they can make their voice heard by pulling a lever once every few years. They gripe and complain to their spouses, co-workers and neighbors, but the people who could really do something about it, their elected officials, never hear from them. It is a small minority who take the time to write letters and emails or make phone calls. Yet, if they never hear from us, they don't know what we want.
I have literally had representatives tell me I changed their mind on the phone or in an email, or by watching their vote change when it comes time. If I hadn't contacted them, they may never have thought of the other side of the coin. My voice counted.
Even when I can't change their mind, I made my voice heard. We live in a representative republic. Without stating our opinions, can we really claim we've spoken with just a vote?
I don't want to look down on those who only pull the lever every few years. I wish more did at least that much. If we really want to see our government change and be more responsive, they need to hear directly from us, not from polls. When they hear from us, they'll know we care and they'll take more time on important issues. The recent amnesty bill should have shown us that. We spoke in large numbers and they felt compelled to listen.
So, make your vote count. Contact your representative today and let them know how you feel about important issues. You'll feel better just doing that.