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    • Your vote counts, more than you think
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    Your vote counts, more than you think

    Pabio Posted on

    Your vote is not only a right; it is a responsibility, a legacy and a powerful tool for change. Let’s make our voices heard, not only for today, but for generations to come.

    Brian Frye
    | Guest columnist

    We’ve all had that cynical thought: “My vote doesn’t matter.” » It’s a narrative designed to make us feel powerless, as if our individual choices are insignificant in the black hole of politics. But this belief couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, our democracy is based on participation, and every vote has the potential to change the course of history.

    Many people do not understand that elections are not decided by the majority of the population, but by those who show up. And in many elections, especially local and national elections, the margins are often slim. If you think your vote doesn’t count, think again.

    In 2017, a race for the House of Delegates in Virginia ended in a literal tie. The winner was decided by drawing a name from a bowl – an election determined by chance because one more person did not vote. This single seat determined control of the entire House of Delegates. Your vote could be the one that tips the scales.

    When you choose not to vote, you are handing over your power to someone else, someone whose values, beliefs, and priorities may not align with yours. You allow others to decide who will write the laws that will shape your life, your community, and your country. By not voting, you’re essentially saying, “I’m OK with whatever happens.” » But are you really? Every policy that affects your daily life – from health care to education, taxes to public safety – is shaped by elected officials. Your vote is your voice in this conversation, and when you remain silent, you lose the right to demand better.

    Imagine a community meeting where a crucial decision is made about your neighborhood. You have a seat at the table, but if you choose not to speak up, someone else will make the decision for you. Voting is no different. This is your place at the table of democracy. And when you don’t use it, you give up your say in the most important decisions of our time.

    The power of collective action

    There’s a reason why every vote counts: because every vote is part of a larger movement. It’s easy to feel small when you’re alone, but when you vote, you join millions of others who share your hopes and concerns. Your vote is part of a powerful chorus that demands to be heard. The elections were won with only a few votes per constituency. Imagine if everyone who thought their vote didn’t matter decided to show up: the election results would be transformed.

    Take the 2020 election as an example. In Georgia, the difference in the presidential race was only about 12,000 votes, a tiny fraction of the state’s population. It’s about the size of a small town. In Arizona, the margin was even smaller, with just over 10,000 votes separating the candidates. These were not crushing victories; these were close contests where every vote played a crucial role.

    Voting is your direct line to change

    We often feel disconnected from places of power, but voting is the most direct and effective way to make our voice heard. It is a powerful act of self-expression and civic duty. It reminds those in office that they work for us, not the other way around. Every vote is a check on power, a demand for accountability, and a push for the change we want to see.

    If you’ve ever been frustrated by politicians who don’t represent you, or if you’ve ever wanted leaders who truly reflect the needs of your community, voting is the way to make that wish a reality. That’s how you say, “I’m here.” I count. And I will be heard.

    The idea that a vote doesn’t matter is a myth designed to keep people away from the polls. Don’t buy into it. Voting is not only a right; it is a powerful tool that is yours. Use it to shape the world you want to live in. Because when you vote, you’re not just voting, you’re making history.

    Don’t let politics discourage you

    It’s easy to feel disillusioned with politics when the headlines are filled with scandals, broken promises, and the perception that politicians are more interested in power than public service. But if we turn away from voting because we think all politicians are crooked, we are only allowing the worst behavior to go unchecked. Voting is our most powerful tool to demand better.

    Think of voting like hiring someone for an important job. Even if the candidate pool isn’t perfect, you still have a say in the choice of leader. When you vote, you don’t approve of a candidate’s every action: you choose the one who is best suited to represent your interests. And if they fail, you have the power to reject them. By not voting, you give up your influence entirely, leaving decisions in the hands of those who may not share your values.

    It’s not about finding the ideal candidate; it’s about holding those in office to account. Voting is how we steer the ship of state. This is our chance to push for transparency, integrity and accountability. Remember, change doesn’t happen overnight, and it certainly doesn’t happen by staying on the sidelines. If you are frustrated with the system, the best way to challenge it is to show up and not give up.

    “I don’t like either candidate”

    It’s a common feeling: You look at the ballot and don’t feel inspired by the choices available to you. But choosing not to vote because you don’t like any of the candidates is like refusing to drive your car because you don’t like the road. It’s a decision to let others make the choice for you, and often, that means living with the consequences that you had no say in creating.

    Think of the vote not as an endorsement, but as a strategic decision. Sometimes it’s about choosing the candidate who will do the least harm or make the most progress on the issues you care about most. Even if neither candidate is your ideal choice, one will always be closer to your values ​​and priorities than the other. Your vote is a way to influence the direction we move forward, even if the steps are small.

    Elections are not about perfection; it’s about participation. Sitting down because you’re unhappy doesn’t send a message of protest – it sends a message of giving up. Every vote you cast is a declaration of your values, a push for the change you want, even if it’s incremental. Democracy is a work in progress, and it needs each of us to keep moving forward, even when the options are not ideal.

    Your vote is your voice

    Every election is your chance to be part of something bigger. From ensuring your community’s needs are met to influencing national policy, your vote is your stake in America’s future. This election season, let’s not just vote for candidates, but also for the principles on which our nation was built: equality, justice and the right to be heard.

    Your vote is not only a right; it is a responsibility, a legacy and a powerful tool for change. Let’s make our voices heard, not only for today, but for generations to come.

    Vote, because every vote really counts.

    Brian Frye is a sixth-generation Iowa farmer, former crude oil broker and energy expert. He is a member of the Wright County Farm Bureau Board of Directors. He was the first delegate in Wright County history to represent Iowa at the Republican National Convention.

    Pabio
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