No place for apathy

Last week this newspaper wrote about its top choices for this year’s elections. And while there remains hope that readers will take those recommendations into consideration, this week the paper wants to focus on the act of voting itself.

Casting a ballot on Election Day is one of the most important responsibilities a citizen has. In an election year when many would-be voters are expressing extreme disdain for the two major-party candidates, apathy is a big concern. There have been countless reports of voters interviewed stating they’ll simply sit out this election, as neither the Republican nor the Democratic nominee appeals to them.

While we understand everyone’s frustration — never has an election seemed more contentious, more personal, or, at times, more absurd — the fact is, not voting is a poor choice of protest. 

As citizens of this great democracy, we must be proactive. We must make the hard decisions of who best deserves our support and vote accordingly. The reality is that someone has to win, so why not be a part of the decision-making process?

Voting is key to how our government works. It’s how citizens select their representatives — representatives who create laws and make decisions that affect,  not just our rights here in the U.S., but those of many others around the globe. 

Not voting takes away that power from the ordinary citizen. It may be considered merely an act of dissent by some, but it has real ramifications.

Hate Trump? Hate Hillary? Fine. What about your other officials? Right here in the Harlem Valley there are candidates running for the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, the New York State Senate, the New York State Assembly, and, in some municipalities, local government. So think long and hard about just who would be hurt by your not voting, beyond the major players on the world stage.

Our democracy depends on public participation. Our nation was founded on citizens choosing those who govern. Those who vote have a direct impact on the policies of the future. Only those who vote — those who have a vested interest in the outcome of this election — can justly complain when things go wrong. 

So, please, consider this when deciding whether to go to the ballot box: No vote, no voice. Wouldn’t that be just awful?