Imagine if we all bothered to vote

by Teddy Jordan, published in Asheville Citizen-Times, October 18, 2014.

Our nation was founded on the ideals of freedom, equality and the concept of the common good. Equality for all and the right to vote are at the very core of our democratic principles. Our guidelines do not say “We the individual.” They don’t say “We the corporations,” or “We only the people with money” or “We only the people with blue eyes.” No, our principles say “We the People.” We, the collective we, are the key to democracy. To have a healthy one, all of us, every single one of our voices is important. Voting is our voice.

Do we believe in the fundamental principles of “We the People” in democracy? Do we believe those ideals are something to honor, cherish and live up to? Do we think those ideals provide a solid foundation for accomplishing extraordinary things? So are we saying we can’t see the possibilities or have we just traded in our ideals for mediocrity?

Our human community is an exceptional collection of ingenious, unique, eccentric, weird and wonderful people capable of much greatness. We didn’t get to the moon and back with limited views. No, we got to the moon by considering all the possibilities. We were wide open to the “what ifs.” Diversity has been key to making this country strong. And we’re all part of that diversity, because unless we’re Native American, all of our families immigrated to America at one point or another — we are all the melting pot. We do not need to be carbon copies of each other to be okay. We can do amazing things and are so full of potential. We are all cultural creatives; the question is: what are we creating and is it something that inspires us?

Because, here’s a fact: in Buncombe County, historically in non-presidential elections we have had an average voter turnout in the 40 percent range. What would be the thinking of the group not voting? What does that say about the health of our democracy and how do we feel about that? Does our voting behavior maximize our collective potential or does it limit our choices, and which one do we want?

What is it that really matters to us and how is it exemplified in how we interact with each other, how we teach our children, how we work, how we incentivize and organize our organizations? These are such important questions. What kind of political system do we want our children and future generations to inherit? Will we feel proud for our part in creating it?

Consider this: what would our democracy look like if every single eligible voter was registered and voted? Can we see the possibilities? Want the quality of the conversation to change? Want to be a positive difference maker? Stand in your power and vote. Besides, there really isn’t such a thing as not voting, is there? We either vote by voting, or we vote by staying home and silently doubling the value of the voter that did show up. Stand in your power and vote.

Join the March to the Polls event planned for the first day of early voting, Oct. 23, starting at 3:30 p.m. Folks are meeting at the Vance Monument and walking together to the Board of Elections. Come join in this awesome example of democracy. This is our time, the people’s time. We are the most important ingredient in the process. Stand in your power and vote. Many voices make for better solutions. See you at the polls.

Teddy Jordan of Asheville is a believer in the possibilities ‘‘We the People’’ can accomplish.

http://www.citizen-times.com/story/opinion/contributors/2014/10/18/imagine-bothered-vote/17448751/