Think About Who And What Are On The Ballot In November. Then Prepare To Vote.
By Erica and Karen
If you are entitled to vote, you must.
If the election goes as did the 2016 election, about one hundred million eligible voters—43% of the electorate— will not vote.
That’s way more citizens than voted for any presidential candidate in 2016.
We think every citizen has a duty to vote—even, as is likely this year, if it is dangerous, and voting by mail is complicated. A good citizen needs to plan ahead. As in—right now. Here and here are two sources for the information you need, and there are many others. Tell your children. And your young friends.
Any number of people have suggested that it does not really matter—the focus must be on undecided voters in the swing states and if you are not one of them you don’t really count. So what’s the point—especially if you aren’t particularly excited about the candidates.
We suggest that it is folly to assume anything about who will win. We learned that in 2016.
We also suggest that if one hundred million citizens fail to vote again, they will again determine the outcome. What a dismal way to elect a president in a democratic society.
Think about who—and what—are on the ballot—besides the top of the ticket. Control of the Senate is on the ballot. State governorships and legislatures are on the ballot. Health insurance is on the ballot. A woman’s right to choose is on the ballot. Science is on the ballot. The federal judiciary is on the ballot. Bill Barr is on the ballot. Competence is on the ballot. Education is on the ballot. Management of the next crisis is on the ballot. Racial justice is on the ballot. Climate change is on the ballot. Gender equality is on the ballot. Vladimir Putin is on the ballot.
We had hoped—as did 62 % of Americans—that Ruth Bader Ginsberg’s successor would be on the ballot. Mitch McConnell and his acolytes decided otherwise. Another good reason to vote.
The standing of our nation, in the world and in history, is on the ballot.
Please. Vote.