Turn Political Disinterest Into a Vote Tuesday (Op-Ed)
If you are registered to vote, use that right to preserve the freedom we have at the local and state level. By doing so, you are taking part in an American democracy that can and should become more active.
Turn political disinterest into a vote Tuesday.
America’s electoral and voting process is such a crucial component of who we are as a people.
If the right to vote is there for the majority of us, why not capitalize upon it in larger numbers?
Voting numbers in recent decades have substantially decreased in many states throughout the country. Unless it’s a U.S. presidential election, many polling places are slow throughout the day, with fewer and fewer voters showing up to vote. In the last presidential election barely half of registered voters nationally took the time to cast a ballot.
The reasons for such disinterest in voting are many.
One primary cause is that many Americans dislike politics in general and/or the individual candidates who are running. Unlike the pre-1960s era, today’s political culture has led to former and current voters chastising the candidates and their policy positions.
Another reason some voters abstain from casting their vote lies in their belief that the politicians and the political process itself have become less about serving the community and more about self-gain and personal gratification.
It’s understandable that today’s voter is filled with a deep skepticism regarding politics and the electoral process. While that may be the case, changes ultimately occur with us.
The typical locally-elected official does his or her best to ensure that their community receives the best representation possible. Those elected do so with a strong zeal and hope that their ideas and votes while serving will benefit their areas and residents.
Rather than allow our disappointment to adversely affect our desire to vote for those running for political office Tuesday, we should strive to use our voices to vote for who we believe is the best candidate.
If you are registered to vote, use that right to preserve the freedom we have at the local and state levels. By doing so, you are taking part in an American democracy that can and should become more active.
Turn whatever political disinterest you are currently feeling into a vote Tuesday.
If there is an issue on your mind in the Hellertown-Lower Saucon area–or beyond–you should vote. And, if there is a candidate or are candidates you feel will tackle that issue, you should vote.
For more information on polling places in the Hellertown-Lower Saucon area, visit https://www.lehighcounty.org/Departments/Voter-Registration/Polling-Places.
Bath resident Mark Reccek began reporting in 2010. He is a former distressed debt reporter for Prospect News, an online publisher of stock market and financial news. He also serves as a web reporter for WFMZ and the Lehigh Valley Press weekly newspapers. A Lehigh Valley native, Mark graduated from Lehigh University with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science. He also holds a law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. He is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, having served active duty from 1996-2000.
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