By the time you read this, it will be election day in the US. Once again, we citizens have the option to exercise our right to vote for our elected officials. (Notice I didn’t say leaders…but that’s a different email)
Always lots to unpack during an election season and especially so during a Presidential election. I’m going to break down just a few of my thoughts on elections and the chaos that surrounds them. And maybe a perspective that may fool you, if you think you know me and what I stand for.
Or maybe not. Here we go.
“It’s your civic duty to vote” No, it’s not. It’s your right to vote, it’s your right to express your choice for a candidate to represent you in some branch of government, from local councils/mayors to the President. A duty? Nope. Nowhere are you required by law to cast a ballot. Jury Duty? Different story. That IS a civic duty, in as such they will summons and arrest you for now appearing for jury duty.
“If you don’t vote, you don’t have a right to bitch the next 4 years!” Again, that’s a big ol’ nope. You certainly have a right to bitch about your government, regardless if you vote or not. It’s the First Amendment. You, as a legal citizen of this county, are afforded the rights of said document and the protections wherein.
“My vote doesn’t count in the scheme, why bother?” This is an odd one. I can’t totally disagree. In some states, under the Electoral College, it’s a winner take all. Soooo, if your state is majority registered Democrat or Republican, likely your vote if you are not in the majority party won’t count for those candidates. But…remember, there are usually local initiatives, state constitution amendments and other local matters that your vote most certainly does count.
“If you don’t vote, you’re dishonoring all those that fought for your right to vote!” Again, another tough one for me. I’d say no your not, if you are exercising your right to freely choose what to do, be it vote or not, you’re certainly honoring the ones that ensured we have and retain such rights.
Those are just a few. There’s lots more. Do I personally vote? Yep, every chance I get. I study the issues and candidates, and proudly cast my ballot. Do I hope you vote? Yep, sure do. I personally think it’s important. Am I going to berate and judge you if you don’t? Hell, no.
Bottom line, do what you feel best expresses your patriotism, and do it proudly and stand proud knowing that you have that right.
Lead from the Front!
Semper Fortis.
Chief Chuck
P.S. I was a guest on Jonathan Pritchard’s Mindreader University podcast the other night. Give it a listen, will you? And then sign up to get tickets to see his virtual magic/mind reading show. You’ll love it!
https://www.mindreaderuniversity.com/chief-chuck/
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