“How old should my child be before I tell him his vote doesn’t count?” spoke up a woman in the audience who had heard my speech about election day history. She went on to relate that she had read about this question in a piece written by Gail Collins in The New York Times.
This comment reminded me of another recent letter to the editor written by a woman who was the mother of two Harvard-educated sons, neither of whom planned to vote in ’08 because “they felt their votes didn’t count.”
Is Your Vote in Vain?
So if you’re a Republican voter in a Democratic-leaning state, or a Democratic voter in Republican territory, is your vote in vain?
Of course not. Each of us has the privilege — but also the responsibility — of casting our votes in each and every election. Whether we live in a “red state” or a “blue state,” our votes do count. While your one vote may not be enough to change your state’s electoral count, your vote still makes a difference.
Whether the presumptive Democratic Party nominee, Kamala Harris, or the Republican Party nominee Donald Trump wins on Tuesday, that incoming candidate needs to know the size of his or her base. The candidate who wins by a landslide after all the votes are counted and certified can go forward more quickly with his or her plans for the country. But if the presidential election is a “squeaker,” the candidate needs to campaign for tolerance and unity before the administration gets underway.
Remember the Local Elections
And if this doesn’t make voting a top priority for you, then take a look at your local newspaper. No one goes to the polls simply to pick a president. Every town has a host of other officials who need to be elected and other decisions that require a vote. These local issues are the real “pocketbook” issues that we vote upon.
If you live in a state where you will be able to vote early, congratulations. For those of us who are limited to voting on Election Day, plan out your day so that you are sure to make it to the polls. Every election is important, but this year, it really is a “referendum on America.” What we decide will be watched by people all over the world — it matters to them, too. Please vote this year.
Neither Donald Trump nor Kamala Harris seems likely to hold back, no matter how narrow their margin of victory. They both come with strong expectations from their “bases” on the issues. The base voters have decided based on issues and they want results.
The moderate or independent voters have probably decided more on competence and character than on platform. Those are the voters who will put the winner over.
Well said, thanks!
Thank you, Kate! May I suggest some edits (in UPPERCASE)?
Red State or Blue State OR PURPLE STATE: Your Vote Counts
. . .
Of course not. Each of us has the privilege — but also the responsibility — of casting our votes in each and every election. Whether we live in a “red state” or a “blue state” OR A “PURPLE STATE”, our votes do count. While your one vote may not be enough to change your state’s electoral count, your vote still makes a difference.
Whether the presumptive DEMOCRATIC PARTY nominee, Kamala Harris, or the REPUBLICAN PARTY NOMINEE Donald Trump wins THE 2024 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION, WHEN ALL THE VOTES HAVE BEEN COUNTED AND CERTIFIED AFTER THE OFFICIAL ELECTION DAY on Tuesday, NOVEMBER 5, that incoming candidate needs to know the size of his or her base. The candidate who wins by a landslide can go forward more quickly with his OR HER plans for the country. But if the election is a “squeaker,” AS IT HAS BEEN IN EACH OF THE PAST TWO PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS, the candidate needs to campaign for TOLERANCE AND unity before the administration gets underway.
Thank you! Will get back to this later today.
I live in Arkansas, a reliable red state. My vote for president does not count under our system. I just don’t understand the logic of not having a one person, one vote counted and having the winner be based on the most votes recieved. Is also seems unfair that all the MILLIONS spent on campaings are spent in SWING STATES year after yeat after the year and the rest of us do not reap the economic benifits. You would think this was a third world country.
You are so right! Your vote still matters locallly, so never skip voting, but our country would be better without the Electoral College. It made sense to the founders at that time but it makes no sense now. Every now and then there is an effort to abolish the Electoral College but it never gets very far. It is unfortunate, but in the meantime, please keep voting. You can make a difference in your representatives and your senators…and of course, with your local elected officials, you can make a huge difference.
Kate