Op-Eds

Of the people. By the people. For the people. This is how President Abraham Lincoln described our American system of government in his historic Gettysburg Address. These words were spoken in our nation’s first century, when this civic experiment we call a constitutional democracy was still in its infancy.

The United States has come a long way in the years since, but the importance of these simple words still holds true today. It is by no mistake that these words have been carved in stone at the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, as a reminder of their significance.

They remind us that the power of the government resides in its people. It is the people who entrust government leaders with the authority to represent their interests and serve their needs. If representatives in government fail to uphold their solemn responsibilities, or if the people are not satisfied with their performance, the electorate can remove them from there post and give that authority to someone else. 

This method of delegating authority and representation is at the very foundation of our system of government, but it only works as designed when an educated electorate participates in the process. That means learning about the candidates and casting a vote. This is no small deal.

The idea of voting in this country has become so commonplace it is easy to lose sight of how much going to the polls on election day really matters. Today we vote on everything from new products at the local grocery store to our favorite couples on “Dancing with the Stars.” Even as early as elementary school, children may vote on their preferred recess activity. But this notion of standing and being counted did not come easy. 

Thousands of early patriots fought and died for our right to have a say in how we are governed and who should hold such authority. Later Americans bravely stood up for expanded suffrage and fair voting practices.

But for many other parts of the world, the concept of casting a vote is far more foreign. Few will ever forget the images of women proudly holding up their ink-stained thumbs to show to the world they had voted in Afghanistan’s first election – a sign of the transformation that took place. In Afghanistan and many other nations, democracy is still struggling to gain a foothold. In some countries, national elections require teams of independent observers to ensure that the process isn’t rigged. That’s hardly a robust democracy.

In America, we enjoy a peaceful transfer of power because we understand and respect that the American people have spoken, regardless of our views or the election’s results.  I believe that America’s greatest asset is its people, and the success of our democracy depends on the American people going to the polls to cast their vote.  It is an opportunity for you to voice your views on the direction of our nation and to play a role in determining our future.

Today, our country faces many challenges that require our attention. How our government chooses to address them will depend on who the American voters determine are best suited for the job.  Undoubtedly, the decisions that will be made will carry implications for this and future generations.

I encourage all eligible voters—regardless of your party or your perspective—to go to the polls and cast your vote during these midterm elections. It is a great opportunity to participate in the civic discourse and have your priorities better represented not only in Washington, but at all levels of government. It is how we ensure that our government remains of the people, by the people and for the people. 

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