Our View: Election-generated enthusiasm should carry over
The lines on Election Day, as well as the lines for those who voted early, stretched for blocks in parts of the country. In most places, people didn’t complain. The mood was celebratory. People applauded new voters; some compared the wait to standing in line at Disneyland. In Indianapolis, a gospel choir entertained the crowd.
But now, the “party” is over. The election is done. The hard work begins – and not just for elected officials. Citizens must step up, too. Those who voted for the first time in this historic election – the young, the old, the formerly apathetic – can build on the momentum and get engaged in local, state and federal issues. Here’s how:
Follow your passion. More than a decade ago, Spokane women who provided child care in their homes met on a regular basis to better understand how the legislative process works. The moms, housewives and small-business women wanted to speak up for children’s issues, because they knew those issues so well. They studied how legislation is passed. They traveled to Olympia to lobby legislators. They invited legislators to spend a morning with them at their home-based child-care centers. Eventually, the women did workshops for community groups and explained how bills passed and how to lobby the Legislature. These women followed their passion – a love for children – and it led them to the political process.
The process itself can be boring, time-consuming and messy. But by following your passion on an issue, even the nitty-gritty can become fascinating. So if you got involved in this election because of the war, the economy or affordable health care, follow that issue where it leads you next. You might be surprised where you end up.
Get informed. Read newspapers and newsmagazines. Read the Web sites of your city, county and state governments. Google the issue you’re interested in, but be skeptical. Double-check facts and look for other sources to confirm or refute the initial report. In short, figure out which information is credible and which is inflammatory or bogus.
Join an organization that shares your passion. Neighborhood councils connect you with door-to-door issues. Parent organizations at schools connect you with education concerns, challenges and trends. If you have strong party affiliations, the Democrats, Republicans and a smattering of alternative parties are always looking for new members for their partisan groups. Service groups, such as Rotary and Kiwanis, also keep their group members informed on current topics, through guest speakers and discussions.
Volunteer in a campaign. The pay is nonexistent. The hours are long and lousy. People will slam doors in your face and hang up the phone when you call, but volunteering for a campaign is like a graduate course in politics.
The voting rate in the United States has been a source of shame for decades. This changed Tuesday, with record numbers of voters opting in this time. During this magical election season, the electorate woke up. Now we must stay awake – and stay engaged.