To vote or not to vote? Is that really the question?

As members of a non-partisan organization devoted to increasing voter participation, voter education and voter registration, WindsorCTVotes listens very carefully to thoughts we hear or see in print that are offered as reasons why people don’t vote:

Among reasons given are these familiar refrains:

• My vote doesn’t count

• Apathy

• Too much partisan bickering

• I’m too busy

• The lines are too long

• It’s a hassle to get there

• I was too tired.

• I don’t like the candidates

A mantra that WindsorCTVotes has grown fond of using is “Your vote is your voice.” Despite the reasons (and sometimes excuses) given we continue to encourage voter participation and civic engagement. We believe that making a choice conveys a statement about your beliefs in particular ideas, ideals and views. Beliefs in a candidate’s ability to govern well or support of personal principles are represented in the ballots we cast. While we may have personal commitments to our views being supported (we all want our side to win), we also enjoy being a part of a democracy that affords everyone the opportunity and right to choose. We agree to the choices that the majority makes.

WindsorCTVotes believes you should vote and that is why we continue to work on increasing the numbers of decision-makers in the town of Windsor. Vote because:

• It is your voice being expressed

• It is a right

• It is your duty

• It is your history –others fought for your right to vote

• It has impact on:

            Your children

            Your neighborhood

            Your education system

            Your job

            Your healthcare

            Your representation

            Your body

            The next generation

Your vote does count. In many instances throughout history one vote has made all of the difference:

In 1875, a one vote margin changed France from a monarchy to a republic.

In 1911, the average of one vote per precinct passed women suffrage in California

In 1948, a Texas convention voted for Lyndon B. Johnson over ex-Governor Coke Stevens in a contested Senatorial election.  Lyndon Johnson because U.S. Senator by a one vote margin.

In 1962, the governors of Maine, Rhode Island, and North Dakota were all elected by a margin of one vote per precinct.

A 2-vote margin in the 1994 CT 2nd  Congressional District election resulted in a recount, which showed a 4-vote margin, and a court ruling of a 21-vote margin.           

And locally we have seen 1-vote, tie-vote scenarios unfold as we await the final decision in the 5th district race between Leo Canty and Brandon McGee. One vote has power. Your vote has power. Vote!

Tuesday, September 25 is National Voter Registration Day. WindsorCTVotes will kick off a voter registration drive on that date. We will have a table at the L. P. Wilson Recreation Center to register new voters and provide information about voting. For more information please email us at windsorctvotes@comcast.net, like us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pages/WindsorCTVotes/345759488769873?ref=hl) or contact Cheryl Curtis at 860-683-1931 for more information.