Today is National Voter Registration Day. But, how many people actually vote?
That’s a question that gets thrown around a lot. Millions of people vote in this country. But given the structure of the political process, most people aren’t going to vote. Even if you pay attention to the local races in your community, and you care about what happens there, even in those local elections strangers will make decisions on your behalf.
In Scioto County, a wonderful voter turnout is 25% of the actual registered voters. Maybe, just maybe, you’re okay with that. In that case, take a minute and just think about what voting is really about.
Think about what your vote means.
Think about how much those votes really matter.
Think about the power of your vote.
Think about how much impact your vote has in the smallest elections, like township trustees and school board elections.
I often hear people say, “I’m not involved in politics because I’m not going to have any impact.” Just think about how much your vote really matters to you. Some think voting only matters to people who may have more power than you do, who maybe have more money, who are more influential in your community. In fact, it’s the exact opposite. Decisions made at the ballot box end up having a greater impact on those who are most in need.
Early voting starts in Scioto County on October 6th, 20202. Here is the schedule for early voting at the Scioto County Board of Elections.
Maybe your vote really does count. In recent local elections, there are several instances where winners have been decided by less than 20 votes. Those winners go on to make decisions that will impact your everyday life for the next 4 years. Don’t let complacency dictate the effectiveness of your volunteer fire department, your children’s school, the respectful caretaking of your family cemetery, or the safety of your roads.
You can find a sample ballot to review and research the candidates right here.
Today is National Voter Registration Day, so that’s a great first step. Get registered. But, then you need to put it to use and actually vote.
We don’t know if the elections will be back to normal or if it will be the mail-in nightmare we had in the Primary. Save the worry and cast your vote directly at the courthouse. Then, come what may, your voice has been made clear.
