In less than 30 days the Nation will hold important midterm elections November 8.
The reactions vary from understanding their significance, to casual acceptance, to rolling eyes, and downright insistence to ignore, completely, with no effort to see the relevance to our lives. If there are no visible consequences, it is easy for busy lives to move ahead with no thought to taking time to vote, an American democratic process which has been in place for 230 years. Can we keep our democracy in place?
Democracies take a modicum of effort, understanding, and action to perpetuate our beliefs.
The midterm elections are for one-third of the U.S. senators, all of the individuals in the U.S. Congress, other state offices, and often many community races. Presidential elections receive a great deal of attention, and as important as they really are, control of the branches of government go deep into the American psyche with power, persuasion, practicality.
It may be less visible, however, the situation does have a great deal to do with our lives now, and with our futures as individuals. Often political parties, which can be a safe way to function, can diminish individuals’ futures. If we make the decisions thoughtfully for voting and take time to understand the candidates, our country will be improved. Really. The investment of time is essential.
For those of us who do not try to understand, who are confused by the rhetoric of the candidates, who listen more than is necessary to friends, family, and others with influence in our decision-making process, we fail to grow up politically. Consider. Think. Understand. Vote. It works. Give it an opportunity.
• Other political pieces carry weight: Often, it would bear out, true independent voters give more thought to the various races and invest in time to understand. Those who vote straight party tickets want convenience and less thought involvement. It is easier, of course. For those who seek just to vote for the winning candidate to think it is to be in the mainstream is a denial of self-satisfaction, and, in a sense of self-importance. We no longer have to wait for election day. Voting by mail is available in Illinois, is in motion now, and will be good through one week prior to election day. Election offices must receive all ballots by November 3, however, do not hold on to the ballots until a week prior to the election day and expect fast service from the United States Postal Service (USPS). For one item, the USPS is under-funded, undermanned, and under siege from sources which want to take over their delivery without serving every corner of the country, sadly!
• Other political situations important: Last week in the first of two confrontations/debates for Illinois governor, incumbent JB Pritzker, and challenger Darren Bailey were in front television cameras. Likely how they fared might indicate political persuasion more than actual victory or defeat. A few minds may have been changed, however, likely not many. The second of two hours between the two candidates will be Tuesday, Oct. 18. Good advice here for the undecided voter is to find out the hour and watch on television. The important second part is to go vote. The ballots sent through the mail to those who will vote by mail have a full listing of the candidates, party affiliations, and all of the offices.
Be sure to vote!
Positions may have greater or lesser value, however, they are all important. We are permitted to change our minds on voting, or, voting by mail, or, voting on election day. We should recognize the value of voting in all elections, in addition to party primaries.
Other important items: We should find out if we must complete registration to vote. Take the time to understand. It is important.
The Batavia Public Library’s Books Between Bites series will continue from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20 at the Library, 10 S. Batavia Avenue (Route 31) in Batavia. Retired science teacher and community author, Diane Lincoln, will share information on her book, “Science Discovery Files: 10 Forgotten Stories of Incredible Scientists.”
More next week, however, riverboat casinos in both Aurora and Joliet will move soon to land-based sites.
The 19th Annual KidsMatter Volunteer Fair will be 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 17 in Naperville.