Alaska News

Staying home?

Every time there's an election, editorial writers struggle to write something fresh about exercising our right and responsibility to vote.

I've been right in there, urging my fellow citizens to take the time, talking about the common ground of our local polling places, the power of the secret ballot, the sense of being a full-fledged citizen of the United States the first time I voted, in 1972. Like thousands of others, I've written about how representative democracy only works when people participate. That even when the choices aren't ideal, we still need to choose, because that's what democracy requires.

I've taken my kids with me to vote, to get them in the election day habit before they're qualified to develop the habit.

But now I'll look at it from another angle. Can't be bothered to vote today? Fine. That means my vote counts more. And not just mine. Think about that neighbor who votes the opposite way you do. You could have canceled her vote out; instead you've conceded the point. As a voter, there's no neutrality on election day, no rising above the fray. Default is a decision, and it's one that favors the candidates and policies you oppose.

If that's your pleasure, or indifference, all right then.

Some nations require voting. I'm glad the United States does not. Coerced representative democracy sounds like forced feeding, unhealthy for the body politic.

I'll be at a polling place today as an election worker. Truth to tell, I want us to be swamped with voters from start to finish, a sure sign that we're alive and kickin' in the far north. A voter a minute, minimum; no time for lunch. All this day I do not care how anyone votes; I'm serving on a crew whose only job is to help every qualified voter get his or her shot and make sure it counts.

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But for those who look at this as an inconvenience, as a waste, who use cynicism as an excuse not to choose, well, stay home.

One of the blessings of this system is that it offers so many second chances. You want to give up your franchise? (Full disclosure: I blew off elections in 1984). That civic sin of omission is your choice. It's only August. Redemption rolls around again in November.

-- Frank Gerjevic

editorial writer

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