Register to Vote. Election Day.
Did you register to vote? Will you vote today? On any given day we make choices about everything from the time we wake up in the morning to the time we go to bed at night. One of life’s greatest gifts comes when we realize that we all have the power to make a choice, take a stand, or just get involved. When you register to vote and then, when you vote, you take a stand.
Today is Election Day, and I remember my first voting election. The year—1972. I turned 18 in January 1971 and it was my class of 18 year olds that were first granted the right to vote. I voted in 1972 for George McGovern, and have been voting in every election since that time.
Election Day.
As a democracy, we are given the right to vote on Election Day, and should all be thankful that we live in a society that allows us to exercise that right. When we vote, we empower ourselves to create change and to hold our leaders accountable.
One thing I learned growing up in the sixties is that if you do not like the way things are going, get involved and try to affect change. That attitude has become an integral part of my life experience. I’m a doer. If I don’t like a situation and can do something about it, I do it—or at least to make an effort. If I cannot do anything about it, I accept it. But taking action is my first line of attack.
Vote. Young Americans.
Sadly, statistics show that far too few young Americans are not exercising their right to vote. In 2010 only 24% of 18-29-year-olds voted, compared with 51% of Americans aged 30 or over.
A recent article in the Economist states that many young Americans bridle at the suggestion that they are too lazy to vote. “We’re not apathetic, just frustrated,” says Mary Rouse, a student at Elon University in North Carolina. Young people do care about politics: they just dislike it.
Whether you are young or old, rich or poor, like or dislike politics, you hold a stake in our future. Do not give into frustration and negativity. Realize that everyone can make a difference, but you have to get involved and be in the game.
Today is Election Day, and I will be voting. I will be voting for all of those folks in office who have worked hard to create change—despite all of the opposition in their way.
It’s an Esteemable Act to take action and vote. So whomever you decide to vote for— just VOTE!
Until next time, I’m Francine Ward, attorney, coach, author, and speaker. I invite you to join my conversation on my Esteemable Acts Fan page, Esteemable Acts Twitter feed, or in one of my LinkedIn Groups.
