It appears that fears about the novel coronavirus are not going to deter voters. Reports from around the nation show people motivated to line up and cast their vote.
Let’s celebrate that for a moment — our simple, often-forgotten freedoms to choose our elected leaders. We are not told who will succeed the leader based on nepotism or family dynasty. We have a tradition of peaceful transitions of power.
America’s citizens get to choose!
And so it is this 2020, in the midst of a pandemic and accompanying economic struggles for many.
Whether you are disgusted with today’s political climate or wish to preserve some sense of yesteryear, get to a voting station. When your grandchildren are asking you about this period in history, what will you say? “I didn’t bother to vote?” Hopefully, they will look at you with the incredulity we feel when we hear people say the same thing.
This year, Texas expanded early voting by one week in an effort to aid an expected heavy turnout and help voters stay in compliance with safety regulations regarding the coronavirus.
Let’s also remember to thank our local election officials and all those volunteers who are there to check for proper registration credentials, ensure a safe and fair process, and count the actual votes. All had to go through training. We extend our gratitude for their commitment to our democracy.
We are often too focused on the shortcomings of our candidate or country to remember: How many people would trade places with us in a heartbeat? How many fought and died for the right to vote? How quickly could it be taken away?
In 100 years, our descendants likely won’t remember or care about particular candidates but they will be interested to know that Americans kept their Constitutional duties performing as they should, by either voting for status quo or for changing of the guard.
And it’s not just the top of the ticket that should motivate us. Indeed, decisions made by those closer to us at the city, county and school district levels can have a more immediate effect on us than decisions made in Washington, D.C.
So, get thee to the polls and exercise your right!—K.E.C.
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