ELECTION: Vote? Or not to vote?

It’s election season! Some say, “this is interesting, I better do some research.” Or “oh no, I’ll be glad when it’s over.”

There is a wide spectrum of opinion regarding voting and whether a vote can make a difference. But our form of government does require voting. We have a constitutional Republic “conceived in liberty.” We are all created equal with “inalienable rights” to be protected by a government whose “just powers derive from the consent of the governed.” “We the people” who, by way of voting, become “we the governed,” should, can, and do have the final say.

Since the “we” consists of all single votes, the bigger the “we” the more influence there is for each “me.” In many cases a few or just a single vote has made the difference.

The controversial election of Rutherford Hayes as U.S. President was settled in his favor by only one electoral vote.

Thomas Jefferson made several legislative attempts to erode the practice of slavery. His last proposal was to require new members of the union to outlaw slavery in their territory. It failed in Congress by only one vote.

A 1996 South Dakota house election was won by one vote. A 2024 election for an Idaho house seat was settled by four votes. A local election for precinct committeeman was settled by five votes.

In the middle 1800s, in spite of great opposition, John Quincy Adams gave eloquent speeches in the House of Representatives against slavery. When asked why he persisted, he said “the duty is ours; the result is God’s.”

Be passionate. In this upcoming election, make a difference with your heartfelt vote.

WILLIAM GREEN

Coeur d’Alene