Sometime in the rush to start school, celebrate Labor Day and the end of summer, September’s heat went up and down and the calendar’s page turned to October. The Halloween decorations are appearing in our neighborhood and not surprisingly, Christmas supplies and decorations are appearing in the stores. This year is quickly winding down, but not before the endless commercials remind us that it’s also a midterm election year. Both parties have raised and are spending a lot of money to inundate us to that fact. It’s unending every evening, and I am concerned that the irritation caused by these unending ads will have a negative effect. Instead of voting, people may stay away from the polls.
Let me encourage you to take your right to vote seriously. Is your U.S. House of Representative Congressman or woman doing their job to represent you and your interests well? Don’t listen to those negative ads, try to find out how they have voted. The entire House – all 435 of them – are up for reelection. Does your rep deserve to go back to DC and represent you? How about your Senator? The candidate elected to the Senate will serve for six years – an important position. How has the incumbant served you? Should they return or is it time to choose someone else? Your values and concerns matter and are at stake. Elections have consequences, as citizens of my state of Virginia found out over the last two years. The advertised promises quickly changed once the newly-elected governor took office. Those who didn’t vote, probably regretted that choice.
Many states have early voting so you don’t have to stand in a long line on the actual election day. My husband and I took advantage of that last week. I guess the bottom line is that if you don’t vote, you leave the future of your state and country up to others. You have a right to choose someone who most closely mirrors your intentions for our future. Congress makes our laws and we have to live under their influence – for good or bad. I hope you decide to become a part of this year’s result.
God bless – Sue
