I believe democracy is not sustained by institutions alone,
but by the character of the people who participate in it.
I believe the right to vote is sacred,
not because it is granted by law,
but because it is earned by responsibility.
I believe my voice matters,
and so does the voice of every other citizen,
especially those with whom I disagree.
I will seek truth before opinion.
I will verify before I share.
I will think before I react.
I understand that freedom without responsibility
leads to chaos,
and responsibility without freedom
leads to oppression.
Democracy requires both.
I will listen before I judge.
I will listen to understand, not to defeat.
I will respect differences without surrendering principles.
I recognize that elections are not battles to be won,
but moments of collective decision
that shape the future of our nation.
I will honor the privacy of the ballot,
because secrecy protects courage
and preserves independence of thought.
I acknowledge that money, media, and influence
must never outweigh honesty,
and I will remain vigilant against distortion and manipulation.
I will treat voting not as a transaction,
but as an act of public service.
I will resist cynicism,
for cynicism weakens democracy more than disagreement ever could.
I will protect the dignity of citizenship,
in myself and in others.
I accept that democracy is imperfect,
not because it fails,
but because humans are imperfect.
Its strength lies in our willingness to improve it.
I choose to be a Beacon.
A Beacon of clarity in confusion.
A Beacon of honesty in noise.
A Beacon of responsibility in freedom.
A Beacon of listening in division.
A Beacon of courage in silence.
I will stand for truth without cruelty,
for justice without arrogance,
for participation without fear.
My vote is my voice.
My conduct is my legacy.
My integrity is my contribution.
This is my Creed.
This is my responsibility.
This is my light.
By David W. Wygant
NOTE: This "CREED" captures the content and spirit of the Voting Alert Beacons I started this blog in 2012, and it has spanned four Presidential elections and three midterm elections. Please give it and its contents serious time and reflection.