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Someone on national TV this week said: “In America, voting is a right of all citizens…not a privilege bestowed by politicans.”
The integrity of our elections requires that only citizens vote and all citizens have equal access to vote. America is strong enough to do that.
When a politician tells you the only way to protect our elections is to:
– Remove citizens from voter rolls,
– Limit voting times after work,
– Prevent churches from giving voters water, and
– Block local leaders from opening additional secure voting locations
When these things happen, that politician is not trying to protect our democracy or your right to vote.
As Americans, we must take our right to vote, and make sure it counts as a sacred privilege. We must exercise that right, first and foremost.
We must understand which efforts make America stronger and which are meant to protect politicians from the will of The People.
Whether a citizen votes absentee, early, or my mail, we as Americans living in a democracy must make sure that our vote counts. We endorse voting absentee and by mail.
It’s been a very long year and the coronavirus pandemic has changed the face of the world. Mail-in ballots can make it easier for people to vote without putting themselves or others at risk during the public health crisis.
Different cities and towns have different voting hours. Many communities, such as Carter County have several polling places. Every state’s regulations and procedures are different, so it is vital that every voter understands the requirements and opportunities to vote where you live.
In May, Carter County will have a primary election and a number of local offices will be on the ballot. There will be a Republican primary, with only Republican candidates on the ballot…the same with the Democatic Primary. In August, the winners of the two primaries will be on the General Election ballot along with Independent candidates.
To prepare those primaries, make sure you are registered to vote at your current address.You may not have voted in a while. You may have moved or changed your name. You may have forgotten when you last registered to vote. Visiting or calling local Election Commission office may be a good place to start.
Not registered? If you’re not registered – whether you have never registered or your registration is out of date – there is still time. Each state has its own process and deadlines, and you may be able to register online. While you’re at it, encourage your friends to register, too.
The next step is to vote, but not before you look at the candidates and review what they stand for.
You can vote early for some number of days ahead of Election Day, often at the main Election Commission Office. If you don’t want to vote in person, either because of your work or because of the pandemic, think about voting by mail. You can request a mail-in ballot and you may have to provide a specific excuse for wanting to avoid in-person voting.
If you make your plan and follow the requirements of your state and local government, you can cast your ballot and be certain that your vote counts.
You may encounter people claiming there would be “widespread” voter fraud or that the election is somehow “rigged.” But the biggest problem is that so few people actually vote.
It is your right to vote. Exercise that right proudly, and make your voice heart. And, for sure, don’t listen to the politicians.