You Must Vote To Be Heard

Published 4:30 pm Thursday, October 21, 2010

Editor, The Herald:

Since it will soon be time to vote, I wanted to address all of those out there who are thinking of not voting. I have heard it all: It doesn't matter what I think, nothing changes, I can't find a candidate that is worth voting for, and on and on. The whole point to me is this: whatever you think, you cannot be heard if you do not vote. Our whole history is based on the one person-one vote concept of life for our citizens. If you believe you are not represented, and so do not vote, you become one of those who pay taxes without representation. Even if your candidate does not win, you are represented by your vote for the one who lost. Those votes are counted and noted. And the winner represents you – even through the vote for his opponent. A vote cast is a voice heard. A vote not cast is to be silent.

There is an old saying from World War II: they came to get my neighbors to the right, and I said nothing. They came to get my neighbors to the left, and I said nothing. They came to get my neighbors from upstairs, and across the street, and I said nothing. They finally came for me, and there was no one left to hear my words.

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Silence – through not voting – is leaving the fate of all up to the very few. We are a country of the many, who are given the right to a voice through our vote. We either use it – or we could lose it.

Please vote, if you are registered. If you are not registered, remember to register now for next year. Don't go backwards and be taxed without representation.

Sandra Everson-Jones

Cumberland