Back in college, I campaigned for a slate of candidates running for student government. During this first experience in politics, I became well-versed in campus issues and candidate qualifications.
Today I can’t recall the names of the students I supported or the pressing issues of those days.
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But I do recall the disappointment in the turnout at the polls. And I remember the sad comments of the college kids quoted in the school paper the next day: They said they didn’t really care who won. None of the candidates, they said, would influence their grades, their dorm conditions or the dining hall food. Voting meant nothing to them.
This morning I will be among the first in line at the senior citizens center near my home, to have my tiny say in the selection of the next president, the future of slot machines in Maryland and a few local referendums.
And then the rest of the day, I’ll try to convince a couple of unsinterested people why it’s worth their time.
1. Your age. Don’t be part of a generation of nonvoters. No matter what your interest — or uninterest — in politics, you want those in power to recognize the needs of your era. It is sometimes hard to understand the fundamental role of government — to represent the people. It’s a little easier to understand the basics of politicians — they want to keep their jobs and so they want to keep voters happy.
2. Your neighbors. So you’re just a speck of sand in a constituency of millions? That is not true when you vote on state and local issues. Question 2 on the Maryland ballot will determine whether to amend the state constitution to allow slots in five sites in the state. Another ballot issue will allow Maryland to follow some other states and open polls for up to 10 days in the weeks before an election.
3. Your headaches. Don’t care about local issues? Make it personal. Some day, your street will have a pothole, an abandoned car or piles of snow. You get to help decide who can provide the constituent services you want. And you get to remind them that you vote.
4. Your children. It’s nice to demonstrate to our youth the roles we play in shaping the future of the nation. But the real reason to interest them today is to stimulate their intellectual growth. Let them argue with you about candidates’ tax strategies or energy policies. Let them disagree with you even if they simply want to show you how little grown-ups know. We want them to learn how to make their own decisions; we want them to learn about issues that matter, learn how to reason and learn to articulate their opinions.
5. Your freedom of expression. One of the great privileges of living in a democratic society is the ability to express your freedom. If you take it for granted today, remember the future is not guaranteed.
6. Your money. Government decides how much to take and what to do with it. How can you let it do that without consequences?
7. Your reputation. The days of uninterest on college campuses are over. In the ’70s you could boost your cool by voicing anti-establishment sentiment and refusing to participate in The Man’s electoral process. Your co-workers won’t be impressed.
8. Your game. Don’t feed the egos of the politicians and the well-financed special interest groups. Don’t let them believe that they are in charge of the political scene. Make sure politicians know that you do care about the issues and aren’t too tired or too busy to make your voice heard. Don’t let others decide the future.
9. Your heart. Vote because you care about something. If you worry about the future of education, endorse the candidate who shares your passion. Maybe you have a strong interest in the environment, health care, crime or immigration. You don’t have to weigh every issue and every candidate’s record to make a decision. It’s OK — more than OK — to base your personal decision on a single cause or a couple of things you care about.
10. Your role in history. This presidential election will create a first for the country: either an African-American president or a female vice president. Be a permanent part of the history of this country. You will remember your vote.
