We often forget that one of the privileges we enjoy by living in the “Land of the Free” and the “Home of the Brave” is the ability to choose those who represent us. We have the freedom to step behind a curtain and make a mark that indicates who will live in the West Wing, who will fill that seat in Congress or the Senate. By casting our ballot, we have the ability to determine who is on our school boards and who will be our next governor.
One would think that the incessant television, print and radio advertising would jog our memory but for some reason, when it comes time to vote, many – if not most – of Americans don’t take the time to step into the booth.
But this act of voting is a gift that many people around the world will never receive. This is an act of Democracy that so many others will never enjoy. And we flaunt it like a rich kid who is bored with his presents because he has so many.
Yes, the vote might be between the lesser of two evils but that is our fault for not demanding better. Yes, it is hard to know what the candidates truly stand for but that is our job to research and dig to know the truth based on their histories, not their promises.
Yes, it requires standing in line, a photo ID, and determining your proper poling station.
But a person who fails to vote has thrown away one of the most important gifts that Democracy has to offer: The Voice of the People.
