Do The Right Thing: Study, Then Vote

Those who track voter trends fear that this year may mark a new low for turnout in a presidential election. There is much speculation as to why this would be so, but voter apathy, a feeling of powerlessness to make a difference, and negativity all seem to factor into the equation.

Many media reports indicate that as long as the economy is booming, it doesn’t make much difference to many eligible voters who wins this election. There seems to be a “disconnect” in their perception of the link between the candidates and their stand on important issues.

However, voters need to realize that votes cast on Nov. 7 do have the potential to shake up U.S. politics more than anything in decades, affecting everything from abortion, race and religion to arms control, the environment and taxes.

For good or ill, decisions made at the ballot box will have repercussions for years to come. And it is not only the presidential race that is crucial; the outcome of many Senate and congressional races, as well as the results of statewide initiatives and referenda, will have a considerable impact on life in the United States.

Even with this much at stake, fewer than half of American adults are likely to show up at the polls next week. Too many shun the voting booth, feeling that they are powerless to make a difference. However, political commentators note that a number of important races in this election will likely be decided by very narrow margins.

Anyone who is inclined to say “my vote doesn’t count” is wrong this year, especially in nine key swing states, of which Washington is one. With support in Washington currently split at 41 percent for George Bush and the same percentage for Al Gore, one or two Spokane voters have the potential to decide which candidate picks up 11 electoral votes next week. That is the precise reason why this city received a late campaign visit from Gore, and another from Dick Cheney the very next day.

Each vote does matter when one considers that at least six congressional races in our nation’s history have been decided by a single vote. A close race that has received national attention is the one between Washington’s incumbent Rep. George Nethercutt and his opponent Tom Keefe. The Senate race between Slade Gorton and Maria Cantwell may be a close one too. The balance of power in both houses of Congress could easily be upset with the outcome of such hotly contested bids for election.

Voters owe it to themselves and to their children to make informed decisions at the ballot box, decisions based on more than which candidate seems more negative or positive, or which one has the more winsome personality. For the undecided, there is still time to do a little research and make a decision regarding who should lead us into the next millennium.

The secretaries of state in both Washington and Idaho maintain Web sites at which voters can easily view information they may need. An online voters’ guide, complete with statements from candidates for federal, state, legislative and judicial offices (as well as information on ballot measures) can be found at www.vote.wa.gov. For Idaho voters the site to go to is www.idsos.state.id.us. News stories about candidates and ballot issues as well as links to a variety of campaign-related Web sites are available in the “Election” section of www.spokesmanreview.com.