Kudos to The Daily Item for the great article, “No Excuses, Your Vote Counts” in the Oct. 28 edition.
It was very interesting to read five different views on voting. Steve Krause’s view that “voting isn’t just a right, it is a duty,” and Thor Jourgensen’s reference to a “civic exercise” as our fundamental right to vote, reminded me of the words my Dad instilled in his seven children.
As a child of immigrant parents, my father knew the value and the privilege of the right to vote. He would often tell us that people fought for your right to vote and it is your duty to help choose who will make changes in your community and your country.
My mom had a different approach, “If you don’t vote, then don’t complain!” I was happy to read Bella diGrazia’s statement that a vote isn’t just a piece of paper but a commitment to someone you believe is going to get the job done. One of the biggest reasons to vote in the local election is to elect people who will work for you, for your neighborhood and for your city. As the Chief of Elections for the city of Lynn, I am open to any ideas on increasing voter turnout. I appreciate the suggestions by Gayla Cawley of online voting (which may become a reality in years to come), Saturday voting, or her BEST idea: to make voting day a federal holiday to get people out to the polls!
It was distressing to read some of the answers folks gave as to why they do not vote, ‘I don’t think my vote counts or matters, I don’t like anyone, or I don’t vote because I do not want to register because it will make me eligible for jury duty.’
As I read on, I was reminded by Item writer Cheryl Charles of the three American civil rights workers who were murdered in Mississippi in 1964 by the Ku Klux Klan for registering African Americans to vote. I was too young to remember that tragedy at the time, but learned of it in history books and by watching the shocking and horrific true story, “Murder in Mississippi” (1990).
So, I also ask this question, if people were willing to die for this cause, “why wouldn’t you vote?” Don’t you believe that you deserve to have your voice heard? I have a favorite saying that I use in my email and correspondence, “People have marched, fought, died and shed endless tears for you to be able to vote. Show your appreciation and go out and vote” — Sonya Parker.
In closing, I want to thank the Item writers for giving people so many reasons to vote and reminding them of, not only their civic duty, but the right and privilege of voting.
I would also like to add “my two cents:” Get out and vote, Go to your local polling place where your neighbors, friends and fellow citizens are. Meet the candidates who are standing outside your ward location.
They are running because they love this city and want to make it better for you, your kids and your family. We all have the same things in common: we are all Lynners, this is the home where we all live, some of us work here, and most of us send our kids to school here. At the end of the day, we all want to feel safe, happy and live in peace. Take the time to get involved in what this city has to offer.
This is your chance to get out and vote for the home team! I look forward to seeing you on Nov. 5.
Respectfully,
Janet L. Rowe
City Clerk/Chief of Elections
