Voting For Our Future

By Joanne Byrne
Retired and Rejuvenated

Joanne Byrne.

One thing about participatory democracy I’ve always found interesting is that as we grow older and more mature (although some of us only manage the first part of that process and botch the second) voting as a rule becomes less personal and more political.

We are now approaching what might be the most decisive Election Day of our lifetime, not just because of the issues that divide us, but because we are embarking on a monumental generational handover in national and local politics that the advanced ages of those two guys at the top of the ballot may be helping to obscure.

I am grateful that my own advancing age allows me to see that this election is not about me or mine, but about America and the Earth.

This makes my vote count even more. Citizens who are mature as well as old are vital to the workings of our government because they are no longer in it for themselves. Studies have repeatedly shown that, despite stereotypes about Social Security and tax aversion, voters 60 and over are quite willing to set aside their own interests for the greater good. I suspect this is why older Americans turn out in higher numbers ­­– not simply because we have more time to educate ourselves on candidates and issues, but because we feel an obligation to leave our government in better shape.

Voter turnout in this upcoming election is predicted to be much higher than usual. In the 2016 presidential election, 53.4 percent of all eligible voters voted, and 66.1 percent of those who voted were over 65. We can and should do much better than that. To think that just a little over 50 percent of eligible voters exercised their voice is not something any of us should be proud of. Think about the hard-fought battles women endured to get the right to vote just 100 years ago. Unfortunately, even to this day there are still too many folks who are disenfranchised and not able to vote.

Here are a few top reasons to vote: To honor the multitudes who struggled for civil rights, women’s suffrage and the ideals of justice, as well as for all whose diverse voices are essential for our nation’s moral health and community vitality. To be a good example to our children and grandchildren by exercising the right to vote as a symbol of our faith in democracy. No matter our station in life, income or social status, every citizen over the age of 18 has the same power of one vote. Pollsters do not determine who wins elections; voters do. Voting is now more convenient than ever. Early voting and the availability to vote by mail makes it easier for us to participate.

Democracy is a team sport, and spectators simply don’t count. It is vital to be an informed voter. Pay attention to news reports and editorials about the campaigns. Regret is preventable. November 4 is a day too late for “could have, should have.”

Be part of making history, because all indicators point to the prospect that the 2020 election will have an impact for years or decades to come. In the wise words of Dr. Seuss, “You have brains in your head and feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own and you know what you know. You are the one who’ll decide where to go.”

Go vote.

Joanne Byrne served as Senior Services Coordinator for the Town of Orange. She is now actively and happily retired. Email her at joannebyrne41@gmail.com to share your thoughts on retirement.