Every year — at least twice a year — I do something that newspapers, editors, pundits, nonprofit organizations and government officials have been doing for generations.
I encourage people to vote.
I do it before the Pennsylvania primary, generally in April or May, depending on whether it’s a presidential year or not. I do it before the general election in November. I might do it before a special election.
The language might change. The importance of specific positions up for grabs might be highlighted. The reasons and responsibilities might be underlined. But, at the heart of every editorial, the message is the same:
Your vote is important. It is the most sacred duty you have to your country. It is a privilege and a commitment and the job of every single American over 18. Register. Do your research. Cast your ballot.
Do it for the primaries. Do it for the general elections. Do it for special elections. Do it every year — every single year. Elect mayors and school board members and state legislators and governors and congressmen and presidents.
Last week, former president and Republican nominee Donald Trump gave a similar direction to the audience at the Believers Summit in West Palm Beach, Fla. But, while I and most who bang the voting drum encourage regular, consistent voting in every election, the candidate for our highest office had a different message.
“Christians, get out and vote, just this time. You won’t have to do it anymore,” he said.
For many, this was an ominous statement that sounded like elections wouldn’t be on the table in 2025, much less 2028. Couple that with Trump’s statement in an interview with Fox News personality Sean Hannity where the candidate doubled down on saying he would be a dictator for one day. Republican talking heads spent a lot of time over the weekend insisting it was a joke or taken out of context.
I’m not panicking about Trump’s statement. I’m also not accepting more GOP apologies about people not understanding his jokes.
Instead, I’m using it as yet another opportunity to beat that drum about showing up at the polls.
Our government is not a guarantee. It is like a well-traveled road prone to cracks. Without regular maintenance, those cracks become potholes and those potholes can become threats and, before you know it, you lose a bus downtown in a major city. Hey, it can happen. We have proof.
Elections are never just important this time. They are critical every time.
This election is not important because one candidate says you are needed this time and never again. It is important because they all are important. We can never sigh with relief at the idea voting has become unnecessary.
Every day, we must demand our right to vote. We must fight for it like we are fighting for our next breath. Voting is the most common, most accessible and most important way to participate in our government. The easiest way to lose that right is to stop exercising it.
If you don’t listen now, don’t worry. I’ll tell you again — at least twice a year.
