Published October 31, 2004 in the Hibbing Daily Tribune
On Nov. 2, citizens will have a chance to do what millions of dollars worth of political advertising has demanded: vote against the candidate in the grainy black and white photograph shown while ominous music plays. Simultaneously, the spin-doctors want you to do the right thing by voting for the candidate featured in vibrant color shown as hopeful chords chime in the background.
Since Minnesota has been labeled a swing state by both major presidential campaigns, we’ve seen plenty of political advertising, a solid two-thirds or more being negative attacks. We’re told this is part of a healthy democracy, but in reality these politics of destruction will simply confuse voters, encouraging many of them to stay home on Tuesday. The scary part is, that’s exactly what some in power want. As a public official, you don’t have to spend too much time worrying about the jobs and well-being of people who don’t vote.
The rise of negative ads and big money politics has separated candidates and their ideals from the people their policies actually affect. What happens when you no longer feel connected to your church, bridge club or softball team? You stop going. That’s what’s happening with almost half of the voters in America and a thankfully smaller, but still too large group here in Minnesota. They don’t feel connected to democracy.
But the darkest hour is the one most in need of light; ignoring this election will only ensure that the future won’t include you or people like you.
The 120 million-plus Americans who could vote, but don’t vote, hold the power to change the world. Even if you’re not in love with your choices this time around, your voting on Nov. 2 will force political parties to cater to you, eventually putting up candidates whom you truly like. That said, George W. Bush and John Kerry are as different as can be on many issues. As much as negative ads would have you believe, both men hold redeeming characteristics in spite of their major differences of opinion and worldview. We have a clear choice and a chance to make a statement about the direction of America in the early part of a new century.
A lot of people with strong opinions on this race have spoken out this year, myself included. You may hear lots of arguments on the streets, at work, at church, at school or in the media – and you might not know what to make of it all. Go online. Seek out some neutral position papers on all the candidates and vote in your best interests on all the issues. I’m not saying it doesn’t matter whom you vote for, because it does. It may be a nuisance to line up for the polls, register or look up candidate information, but your doing so is the only hope for democracy, and is the fundamental right so many heroes lived and died to protect.
Of course our men and women in uniform are among the heroes, but so too are people like Martin Luther King Jr., Paul Wellstone and every parent, teacher and neighbor who took the time to teach kids that democracy only works when everyone shows up on Election Day.
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Information on polling places and voter registration is available in today’s and Tuesday’s newspaper. Non-partisan voter guides are available online and at public or school libraries.
Get informed and vote. It will matter.
Aaron J. Brown is a columnist for the Hibbing Daily Tribune.