Dear editor,
I am writing today indirectly about the school bond vote. I am the government teacher at Greene County High School and I would like to simply urge those who did not participate in the previous bond vote, or any election perhaps, to get involved and VOTE!
Every year I start government class by asking the question, “What is democracy?” It’s usually a simple question for most students. They know that democracy means rule by the people but beyond that definition do we as Americans really know how we “rule”?
There are different ways we can participate: volunteer, jury duty, run for office, but the easiest and most important way is to VOTE! Throughout our history different groups have struggled to gain this right, and other countries have fought to gain the same privilege we have.
However, many of us take it for granted or get bogged down in the negative politics and develop apathy. Here is the problem with that: If the majority of the eligible voters choose not to vote, do we really have a democracy? We do not.
By allowing a small percentage of eligible voters to make decisions for us we are essentially an oligarchy because that is rule by a few (usually a self-appointed elite). As Americans that should frighten us because the government system we are so proud of is not working the way it was intended, despite all of the struggles to expand the right to vote to all registered citizens over the age of 18. It’s time to exercise that right and demonstrate the importance of democracy by taking our “right to rule” seriously and showing up at the polls on Sept. 13.
There are a hundred excuses one could give not to show up like: “It’s too hard.” “I don’t know how.” “It takes too much time.” “I’m going to be at work or college.” All of these are just that: EXCUSES. It is not hard. Show up, mark a box and be done. (Besides there are always nice people there to help you.)
It is simple to register and it can even be done at the polling place on Election Day. However, it’s always easier if done ahead of time. You can print the registration form from the auditor’s website, http://www.co.greene.ia.us/pView.aspx?id=15486&catid=659, return it to the auditor, or bring it to the poll.
The polls will be open all day on the 13th to try to accommodate your schedules, but if it is impossible for you to get to the polls on that day because you work or are away at college, YOU CAN STILL VOTE! (Former students, I’m talking to you, too!!) Request an absentee ballot from the auditor’s website, and you can then vote from home or college after you receive your ballot in the mail. In addition, the auditor’s office will be open to accept early voting by the end of August.
There are many opportunities to place your vote if Sept. 13 doesn’t work for you. The logistics of registering and voting are more simple now then they have ever been; what’s harder to see is the reason it is important that you care.
Voter apathy (lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern, indifference) is the biggest excuse I hear from students and adults alike. “It doesn’t matter or my vote doesn’t count”. We have had many close elections lately in the U.S. and Iowa. Local elections are usually always close because of the lack of voter turnout.
According to the numbers, 1,616 voters turned out for the first vote about the proposed bond. Were you one of those voters? Chances are if you were below the age of 50 you were not because 1,184 of those 1,616 voters were 50 years old and older.
Those members of our community who did vote are great examples of how democracy is supposed to work; you have to show up.
The other demographics from 49 and younger may have given one of the above excuses. Sure, this vote on Sept. 13 does not have far reaching global implications like voting for President, but in reality it has many more direct implications on us and our children than whomever is elected as President. Besides, we know more about this topic than most of us know about voting for a President. You have attended these schools, your children do, your grandchildren do or will be affected by our choice.
Our community is looking for all of us to help make this decision. As I tell my students, it is your right but it is also your duty to make democracy work. Who rules in a democracy? WE DO! Let’s show each other and our kids that this decision matters to us and show up. Make your voice heard.
See you at the polls on Sept 13.
Crystal Heard, Jefferson
