After reading “Updated Voting Report (ahem),” [“Asheville Disclaimer,” Dec. 3, Xpress] I was moved to provide a different point of view.
I do not affiliate myself with any party and have never done so. I have always voted for the candidates’ promises on the issues and not the party. It has been the case in the past few decades that it has not worked for me.
However, I find that even if it has not been effective in the past elections for me individually since many or most of the candidates now often change their stand on important issues and never seem to keep their promises, I still wait for nonvoters to participate in the process.
The easiest and most effective way to convey our displeasure to the government is utilizing our right to vote. Many voters feel their vote doesn’t count. Quite the contrary. If you read the aforementioned article, it is plain that many are not exercising a very basic right and responsibility: voting.
I wish to share a personal story illustrating the power of the people. When I was 15 years old, well below voting age, I participated in a local political campaign. The candidate had just graduated from college, and all of his staff was not of voting age. The incumbent had been in office for 30 years. We were tireless workers — knocking on doors creating blisters on our feet, putting signs in yards, calling voters, even helping to clean the candidate’s apartment.
The primary voting was done on my birthday, and I was sad I could not be at the main headquarters for the results. Even though my birthday was on the same day, the candidate called and wished me a happy birthday. Much to our surprise and joy, he won and later went on to be our governor. So you see you can make a difference no matter the age.
When you hear someone is complaining and not exercising their right, I suggest you reply, “Don’t Vote, Don’t B*tch!,”.
Tondra Bowers
Hendersonville
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