How concerned are you?

An increasing chorus of voices is warning us that the future of this great republic is being threatened. These alarmists are saying our country is going in the wrong direction and their message is resonating with large numbers.

A 2025 Politico Poll found 49 percent saying America’s best days are behind us. A September CNN survey had 54 percent agreeing with that statement. And a just-released Gallup poll indicates that the number of people who anticipate a high quality of life in five years is only 59 percent; it was 68.3 percent in 2020.

These survey results cut across all age groups, races, sexes, and political parties, although Republicans are less pessimistic than Democrats and Independents. Even in North Carolina, where our economy remains quite healthy, there is a sense of foreboding.

People are worried. But are how concerned are they and what are they willing to do about it? Do we just want to gripe and complain or have we reached a place where we are willing to take action? And, if action is advocated, what action is appropriate and necessary?

There was a moment in America’s history, 250 years ago, when colonists were similarly upset with the way things were headed. A Parliament in England made laws with no consideration for the colonists’ feelings or positions. A King refused to acknowledge the colonists were subjects with rights equal to his subjects in England.

Following the infamous Boston Tea Party and other taxes imposed just upon the colonies, many refused to continue in the direction they were headed. What did they do?

The movement in our colony began in Wilmington. Led by Colonel Samuel Harnett, they formed a Committee of Correspondence, where members shared information with other colonies, as well as within our own colony.

In August 1774, they called together the First Provincial Congress in New Bern, passing The New Bern Resolves to denounce laws persecuting Boston and affirming this colony’s solidarity with Massachusetts. They staunchly affirmed their loyalty to King George and their rights as British Citizens, however the emphatically stated that duties, tariffs and taxes imposed upon them without their consent were “illegal and oppressive.” Further, in a direct challenge to the King and Parliament, this body proclaimed that unless their rights were acknowledged and their grievances addressed by October 1775, North Carolina would neither import nor export products with England. They took decisive action, also forming a Committee of Safety to organize militias and assert their rights.

Other colonies took responded similarly. We know what followed: The American Revolution.

Nobody would presume to assert that people today are as concerned as those colonists 250 years ago. But how concerned are we?

Let me suggest one way of measuring our concerns. Our votes have always been considered a bellwether of the temperature of the state and nation. Let’s put that to a test in the primary election in which early voting has already begun.

The primaries rarely generate large voter turnouts, but in years when there is a presidential election more voters cast ballots. In 2024, only 24.1 percent of the voters cast ballots. The largest recent turnout was in 2008, when 36.86 percent of registered voters showed up. Turnout remained in the 30-plus percent range in 2012, 2016 and 2020 but in non-presidential primaries, turnout hovered in the mid-teens, peaking at 19.7 percent in 2022.

It is logical to assume that the larger the primary turnout the more interest there is in the election. A corollary might be that the larger the turnout the more concern is being voiced. We’ve seen large numbers of voters casting ballots in other state elections and many consider these turnouts to be a repudiation of the current situation.

Here’s the challenge for us in North Carolina. A large turnout would signify a high level of concern among voters.

What can we do to ensure that large turnout? Just as in colonial days, we can rally friends, neighbors, church and club groups, asking them not only to vote but to get five others to vote in the primary. The goal is not necessarily to promote one candidate or one party over another but to get large numbers to the polls.

If more than 30 percent of registered voters cast ballots in the March 3^rd primary the message would be sent. The more voices raised, the more politicians will pay attention.

Exercise your voice by voting. Who knows what may happen as a result!

Tom Campbell is a Hall of Fame North Carolina broadcaster and columnist who has covered North Carolina public policy issues since 1965.  Contact him at tomcamp@carolinabroadcasting.com