Has  voting become irrelevant?  Do individual  votes matter?  The numbers seem to be saying that many of us think so. . .

  According to the 2010 Census America has a population of over 308 million.  Of that number, nearly 211 million are over 18 years in age and therefore “age-eligible” to vote.  Sadly, only 137 million are registered to vote, and only 96 million voted in the 2010 elections.  Admittedly, in off year elections turnout is smaller, but it’s hard to accept the difference between 211 million and 96 million.  [Source:  2010 Census]

It seems that a small group of citizens are running the place because they are picking the candidates.  Why not let them continue?  Can my vote make a difference?  Really?  Ok, let’s look at this year’s Republican primary numbers.  Recall, and depending on which party has “held” the Presidency, every four years generally either the Democrats or the Republicans have a very contested primary season in which they select an individual to represent their party in the election for President against the incumbent.  This year the votes cast numbers as of this date, March 26^th, 2012 and after 30 state primaries or caucuses, are 9,858,824 primary votes and 409,313 caucus votes.  While there is a large difference in character and process between a primary vote and a caucus vote, for the sake of number play when we add these two numbers together the total is 10,268,137 or 3.3% of the total population and 4.9% of those who are age-eligible to vote.  Yes, a small group of active and well intentioned citizens is running the country now.   They’re doing their job and now those who don’t vote need to begin doing theirs.  When only a few vote, fewer great ideas emerge to help solve the never ending supply of challenges.   Can this be changed?  Absolutely!  [Source:  CNN , America’s Choice 2012 Election Center, Results]

This can be changed by doing a few simple things.  First, while the primary system isn’t perfect, until a better approach can be implemented, our basic right to vote can make it a whole lot better.  In those states where there are open primaries, we all need to cast a vote.  It doesn’t matter which political party, or even what your party affiliation is or if you have one.  Listen to the primary candidates and cast your vote.  In the process, remember Voting Alert Beacons #6 and #7.  Never miss an opportunity to vote and cast your vote in secret.  Votes are always cast and counted one vote at a time.  So, just make the best choice you can make.  If everyone does the same thing, the genius of America will emerge just as surely as gravity is keeping you in your chair as you read this blog post.  If Nike’s motto of “Just Do It” has inspired many athletes to excel, then “Just Vote” expresses how each of us plays an important part in making our lives better.

In my next post I will discuss what we should listen to when candidates speak and what we should ignore.   

In the meantime, remember that America’s best days aren’t behind her.   America’s best days are ahead of her.  They always have been and always will be.

Dave

Copyright © 2012 by David William Wygant. All rights reserved.