Elections

Elections are a cornerstone of any democracy, providing citizens with the opportunity to select their leaders and exercise their right to participate in the democratic process. Elections serve as a mechanism for ensuring that the government remains responsive to the will of the people and for maintaining checks and balances on power. In this essay, we will examine the importance of elections, the electoral process, and some of the challenges faced in conducting free and fair elections.

One of the primary reasons why elections are important is that they provide a means for citizens to hold their representatives accountable. Elected officials are expected to represent the interests of their constituents and work towards improving their lives. However, without regular elections, there would be no way for citizens to hold their representatives accountable. Elections provide an opportunity for citizens to express their approval or disapproval of the current government and choose new representatives who they believe will better serve their interests.

The electoral process is a complex one, involving various steps and procedures that must be followed to ensure that the election is free and fair. This includes the registration of voters, the establishment of polling stations, the printing of ballots, and the counting of votes. In some countries, the electoral process may also involve the use of electronic voting machines, which can make the process faster and more efficient. However, the use of electronic voting machines has also raised concerns about the potential for fraud or manipulation.

Despite the efforts made to ensure free and fair elections, there are still many challenges that must be overcome. One of the biggest challenges is voter suppression, where certain groups of people are prevented from voting, either through intentional or unintentional means. This can include things like strict voter ID laws or gerrymandering, where electoral districts are drawn in a way that unfairly favors one political party over another. Other challenges include the use of fake news or misinformation to influence the outcome of the election and the potential for foreign interference in the electoral process.

In conclusion, elections are an essential component of any democracy, providing citizens with the opportunity to participate in the democratic process and choose their representatives. The electoral process must be conducted in a way that is free and fair, with measures taken to prevent voter suppression and ensure that the process is transparent and accountable. While there are many challenges that must be overcome, the importance of elections cannot be overstated, and efforts must be made to ensure that they remain a fundamental aspect of democratic governance.

My Thoughts

The upcoming election may be the most important one in our lifetime. If you took time to review my website on America in Trouble, you should realize just how important it may be to you and your family. That said, elections are also the easiest way to take our country back.

Fair and truthful elections are indeed the foundation of a free people. We are all lax at times, and I am no exception, and we can all and should do better at reviewing the candidates and making sure what and just who we are voting for.

I personally disagree with every politician I have researched so far, however, on how elections should be conducted. One party wants it open to almost everyone that has once or now can talk or breathe, the other party is not far behind. Easy is their theme. Mail-in ballots for all. That, to me, is wrong. I am old school, and I remember going to the polls with my parents and waiting and waiting for them to vote. They never once complained.

Many today complain "I'm busy, I can't get there, it takes too long, etc., etc." One excuse is as weak as the next. Mary and Joseph, you recall, had to go about 90 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem just to pay their taxes. That, I imagine, was about a 4-day trip walking and riding on a donkey, but they did it because it was the law. Our right to vote is indeed a privilege and a blessing, and if it is difficult for us - "well, too bad" - get off your backside and do it anyway. We should want to do it, but if not, we should all be required to vote and suffer the consequences if we cannot be bothered.

I will agree that some or all of the following solutions should be considered:

• All US citizens should be required to prove their eligibility to vote prior to voting.

• The voting age should be 21.

• All voting should be in person at a polling station. Never by mail without real justification, and it must be provable.

• All US citizens of voting age should be required to vote every election. If they miss 2 in a row, they must requalify, and if they miss 3 in a row, they will lose their citizenship and all associated benefits for XX years until they could apply for citizenship just as any foreigner would have to do.

• Patriotism and voting privilege should be taught in our schools, and we should understand what a blessing it is that WE CAN INDEED VOTE.

• Voting at a polling center would eliminate some of the voter fraud that we hear so much about. Hire more poll workers, with more polling locations and use good old paper ballots. Counting can be verified, etc., and it eliminates the chance for hackers, etc., to control the outcome.

• Example: a write-in candidate for the next election in my area has said she is concerned because one candidate in the last election was defeated by a total of 10 votes out of 8,500 votes cast, when that same candidate enjoyed a 60% approval rating of 1,000 audited voters, and the request for a recount was not approved.

"The people who cast the votes don't decide an election, the people who count the votes do." - Joseph Stalin

A recent study I was told showed only a 35% voter turnout. That is shocking to me. The apathy in our country will destroy us if nothing else does. Whatever and however it is done, a change is needed in our voting system, and we need it NOW.