Voting has Started in Georgia — Understand What is at Stake

Voting has started in our state. For those who are registered or will register by Feb. 6, it is possible to obtain an absentee ballot and have it prepared and mailed back to the voter registration office by Election Day on March 6, to have your vote counted.

For any person who is unable to go to the polls to vote on Election Day the absentee ballot is the best way to assure your vote will count.

Many people who read this column might consider this to be overkill, but as we approach this Presidential Primary Election Day in Georgia, it is vital to understand what is at stake. In every election we have the opportunity to have our voices heard as to the person we believe best represents our worldview.

I cannot remember a time when there is more frustration being expressed by people. There is a general mistrust of the people who are in office on the national level. Often, people want me to tell them what we need to do to change the direction of our country. Vote people into office who understand the values and principles upon which our nation was founded. Hold officeholders accountable to the point of letting them hear from you the mistrust and questions you have.

As I was in conversation with an elected official at the Capitol in Atlanta, he said, “I never hear from people when they think I have done something right or that they like. I only hear from people when they are angry about something I have done or they heard I have done.”

Such is the reality of life in the political world. It is unfortunate that we only deal with the negative when talking with office holders. Several years ago, I began to realize I had gotten into that same mode of only notifying elected lawmakers when I disliked something they did or a vote they made. Since that time, I have tried several times during their term of office to let the lawmakers know how much I appreciate them and their willingness to serve the people. While it is true we live very busy lives and have more to do than to take time to stop and say “thank you” to someone who volunteered for service, but it is never wrong to express our genuine thanks to someone who is willing to give of themselves in service to the people.

Maybe by taking the time to express our thanks to a lawmaker we would challenge them to govern in such a way as to receive thanks from more people. Just because we disagree with someone does not mean we have to be disagreeable as we interact with them. Respect is due for the people who run for office and they should be treated with fairness.  From where I stand, there is no better way to express our thanks than to vote to continue in office those with which we agree even as we vote others out of office.

Are you going to vote in the Presidential Primary on March 6? Tell us in comments.