3 weeks from tomorrow, the citizens of my country will have the privilege of deciding the election outcome as well as the direction our country takes.
When I went to school, anything less than 70% scoring resulted in a failing grade. Today’s standards allow for a lower passing (albeit unsatisfactory) percentage. I will “grade” the voting of this country using the scale I was subject to, rather than today’s more lenient scale.
The last time this country had a “passing” grade (73%) for voter turnout was 1900. Bear in mind, this is not an “above average” grade, but it is a passing one. The last time 60% voter turnout was achieved was 1968. Since then we have had nearly half of the country sitting out the presidential election decision.
In case you are wondering, the last “satisfactory” grade (80% was a “B” in my day) in the presidential election was 1876. I suppose the fact it was the Centennial mark provided added incentive. Then again, the “Bicentennial” election in 1976 yielded a mere 53% voter turnout.
Since 1972, nearly half of the country has sat out on the election process.
It is astonishing to me how much complaining the general public does when it comes to the shenanigans that take place in our government, especially when you consider that (nearly) half of them willingly forfeit their "voice" (and credibility) because they don't vote.
And their rationale for staying silent is monumentally astonishing:
1. It won't make any difference. Actually the only thing not making any difference is YOU. I can assure you the person in office is making a difference.
2. I don't agree with any of the candidates. The only person I completely agree with is the one I see in the mirror. And even that person has been seriously questioned about his actions from time to time.
3. Candidate “A” is a liar and Candidate “B” is a crook. And you are happy with them continuing on their merry way by staying silent? Really? And don't start with “It still won't make any difference”. I covered that.
4. My candidate has no chance winning. If all the people who normally don't vote cast their ballot for a single candidate, that person would win by a landslide. Have you ever heard of the “silent majority”?
5. My concerns are of no interest to the candidates. And your answer to that is to not say or do anything? Well then congratulations, you have just assured yourself that your concerns are of no interest. Now or ever.
6. I don't have the time to research all this political stuff and voting is not very convenient. How much time have you spent over the last 4 years complaining and criticizing about the people in Washington? How convenient has anything of worth ever been in your life? Do a few hours of research now so the next 4 years may improve.
7. After the election, they will just break all their promises. As long as politicians know they only have 1 in 4 people who will hold them accountable (do the math, only half vote, and you only need slightly more than half of that to get elected), you have a point. I would be quite confident that if the politicians had to answer to a vastly increased participating majority of citizens, they would listen. During and after the election.
Doing what's best for your country is not necessarily a matter of (individual) size or notice of yourself.
While I do have an interest in who gets voted into office, I have a greater interest as well as concern about how many cast their vote in this process.
No matter the outcome of this upcoming election, I will proudly stand with everyone who can make an undeniable claim:
I chose to try. I VOTED.
When I went to school, anything less than 70% scoring resulted in a failing grade. Today’s standards allow for a lower passing (albeit unsatisfactory) percentage. I will “grade” the voting of this country using the scale I was subject to, rather than today’s more lenient scale.
The last time this country had a “passing” grade (73%) for voter turnout was 1900. Bear in mind, this is not an “above average” grade, but it is a passing one. The last time 60% voter turnout was achieved was 1968. Since then we have had nearly half of the country sitting out the presidential election decision.
In case you are wondering, the last “satisfactory” grade (80% was a “B” in my day) in the presidential election was 1876. I suppose the fact it was the Centennial mark provided added incentive. Then again, the “Bicentennial” election in 1976 yielded a mere 53% voter turnout.
Since 1972, nearly half of the country has sat out on the election process.
It is astonishing to me how much complaining the general public does when it comes to the shenanigans that take place in our government, especially when you consider that (nearly) half of them willingly forfeit their "voice" (and credibility) because they don't vote.
And their rationale for staying silent is monumentally astonishing:
1. It won't make any difference. Actually the only thing not making any difference is YOU. I can assure you the person in office is making a difference.
2. I don't agree with any of the candidates. The only person I completely agree with is the one I see in the mirror. And even that person has been seriously questioned about his actions from time to time.
3. Candidate “A” is a liar and Candidate “B” is a crook. And you are happy with them continuing on their merry way by staying silent? Really? And don't start with “It still won't make any difference”. I covered that.
4. My candidate has no chance winning. If all the people who normally don't vote cast their ballot for a single candidate, that person would win by a landslide. Have you ever heard of the “silent majority”?
5. My concerns are of no interest to the candidates. And your answer to that is to not say or do anything? Well then congratulations, you have just assured yourself that your concerns are of no interest. Now or ever.
6. I don't have the time to research all this political stuff and voting is not very convenient. How much time have you spent over the last 4 years complaining and criticizing about the people in Washington? How convenient has anything of worth ever been in your life? Do a few hours of research now so the next 4 years may improve.
7. After the election, they will just break all their promises. As long as politicians know they only have 1 in 4 people who will hold them accountable (do the math, only half vote, and you only need slightly more than half of that to get elected), you have a point. I would be quite confident that if the politicians had to answer to a vastly increased participating majority of citizens, they would listen. During and after the election.
Doing what's best for your country is not necessarily a matter of (individual) size or notice of yourself.
While I do have an interest in who gets voted into office, I have a greater interest as well as concern about how many cast their vote in this process.
No matter the outcome of this upcoming election, I will proudly stand with everyone who can make an undeniable claim:
I chose to try. I VOTED.
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--- Deserves a rep