Flash forward to yesterday. In a race for a seat in Virginia's House of Delegates, one of their two state legislatures, a particular race was very, very close and went to an automatic recount (details here).
The recount was held and the final vote came to 11,608 for the Democrat to 11,607 for the Republican. The race was decided by one voter who showed up on election day, not realizing how much his or her vote would count.
But wait, there's more.
That one race outcome split the House of Delegates to an even number of Democrats and Republicans. The GOP majority was lost. This will now force the Republicans to compromise in order to pass legislation, which now necessarily must be more bipartisan.
Every vote counts. Don't waste yours by not showing up. Since I became a US citizen, I have voted in every election, primary, and run-off.
Democracy is a right, but it's often threatened. Never give that up by failing to show up.
Seguro que si, y esta belleza también tiene mi voto.Amigo venezolano,Cucuta
ReplyDeleteWell said because Democracy is all about going out to cast our votes.
ReplyDeleteIn some countries (yes there are other democratic countries other than USA..) you can have a fine because you didn't vote.
When you cherish democracy over all, VOTE is a MUST and EVERY VOTE counts.
Right on, Manhandler! It always bothers me that black voters don't turn out in larger numbers; perhaps the "system" won't change even if Democrats are in charge, but it sure as hell won't change if the Republicans are in power. Yet black voters (and less affluent voters) tend to turn out in proportionately smaller numbers than white voters.
ReplyDelete-Scott