CNHI
CHICKASHA —
By RON JUSTICE
State Senator
I hope everyone voted in the primary runoff this last Tuesday. Having the ability to vote and choose our government representatives is one of our greatest freedoms as Americans.
This is a very important year to vote as all of our statewide offices are open including Governor, Lt. Governor, and State Superintendent among others.
We also have the opportunity to vote for those who will represent us in Congress as well as at the state, county and city levels.
If you aren’t already, you have until Friday, Oct. 8, to register to vote in the general election, which is Tuesday, November 2.
For information about voting in Oklahoma and how to register, contact your local county election board or the state election board (“mailto:info@elections.ok.gov” info@elections.ok.gov).
Unfortunately, based on past statistics, less than half of eligible Oklahomans will take the time to cast their vote in November.
We’re Americans and one of our greatest freedoms, and one that our forefathers fought so hard for, was our freedom to choose our leaders. Voting is the backbone of any representative democracy.
It’s something that people in other countries would, and do, die fighting for, and yet we already have it and a majority of our citizens take it for granted year after year.
It hasn’t always been like this in the U.S., though. Polling numbers started falling a few decades ago and have yet to recover. Typically, voter turnout is the highest during years of presidential elections and then declines for smaller elections such as those for state, county, city, and school board offices. I’m anxious to see the turnout numbers for this year’s general election.
No one knows why this happens.
All elections are important regardless of how small the office. We should all be just as enthusiastic about electing our local school board members as the President.
Those members that sit on the school board will make decisions that will affect the quality of your children’s educations more directly in some cases than most decisions made by officials at the state and federal level. Yet these races have the lowest turnout of all.
There are many other important positions that we should pay attention to come election time. County officials decide how our local tax dollars are spent and they provide important services that we depend on every day.
State legislators, such as myself, have the privilege of creating and passing laws that affect each and every one of us. State officials from the various state agencies also play an important role in our daily lives – ensuring that we have efficient services such as education and healthcare.
What I’m trying to say is that there are NO unimportant elections or offices.
Voting is the best way for a private citizen to be heard, and remember actions speak louder than words.
Unfortunately, our polling numbers show that very few in society have any interest in their government.
I know people that continually gripe about certain issues, but they never really take any action besides talking.
If you want to make a change, encourage others to get out and vote, go knock doors, help educate your friends and family on the issues and candidates.
These are just a few of the ways that you can make a difference.
I’m not saying all of this to be disrespectful to those who don’t vote, but only to show how important voting is.
Your vote does count, so I hope to see you at the polls on Nov. 2.
