We begin voting before we call it voting. Majority rules. Raise your hand if you agree. Even choosing teams is a way of voting or selecting your top picks. Soon we’re voting for class president, class clown and most likely to appear on a Most Wanted Poster. The act of voting can feel frivolous, inconsequential, a bother. And our individual vote insignificant. Until we’re denied a vote. Take away our say and we, well, we’ll have something to say about it. Rather than four research papers, your grade will now be based on the results of one test. You can no longer wear jeans on Fridays, join in the production meeting, choose where we go to lunch, the color of your mailbox, what to wear or where your taxes go. Huh? Why? And who says?
That’s when the act of voting comes into focus. It becomes a privilege, an opportunity, a right. We have a lot to say and we want people to listen. Voting gives us a chance. A raise-your-hand, take-the-mic, stand-in-line, check-the-box, pull-the-lever-behind-the-curtain, be-a-part-of-things kind of chance to have your say. To make a difference. Do you remember this commercial? It made us feel a little teary-and a little ashamed-almost 10 years ago when it first aired and again just now. Because how many excuses have we mulled over in search of a reason not to cast our vote? Any vote. I haven’t done my research. I don’t feel comfortable speaking up. My vote doesn’t count. I’m tired. I’m busy. It’s too cold/warm outside. And after watching this video, these excuses seem feeble at best.
Whatever you have to say, however you feel about the issues, policies, candidates (or their hair. Sorry.), wall color, chip flavor, work meeting . . . whatever, you can let them/us know. Because you can step up, speak up and join in. You can vote. Or forever hold your peace.
