Civic ignorance abounds

Does your vote matter? It may well be ignored during the convention. Democrat or Republican, you should be concerned that party machines made up of hand-picked leaders and big donors will decide (for you) who the candidates will be. Think establishment.

Voting today requires little effort. It used to be proof of residency and registration were required at your polling place. A line was drawn through your name upon voting. Voter fraud was much tougher. You had to leave home to vote or apply for an absentee ballot.

The Electoral College has outlived its usefulness unless you’re a career politician. I believe it’s a major factor keeping the center of power in Washington. Substantive changes will occur right after the House and Senate vote for meaningful term limits for all members. Wait for that to happen. Lifetime appointments to the Supreme Court should go away.

Change begins with educating our youth. A passing grade in high school civics or government should be a requirement for graduation again. Ignorance of how our government operates is a sure path to destruction. We’re well on our way. For the record, I vote in every election.

Erv Koller

Millwood