US has poor voter turnout

Talk about it

Greetings from your District 36 senator.

In about two and one-half weeks we will have a national and state election where all United States citizens 18 years and older will have the right to vote for various candidates of their choice. As I stated, this vote is our right and duty as citizens of the country.

The national voting average of eligible voters in some of the past elections has been less than 50 percent.

This is a poor turnout for a country that considers itself a democracy, which should be a country that is ruled by the majority instead of the minority. As you know, there are countries that are ruled by dictators who control the elections in their country.

We need to be concerned about this low turnout and do the best to get out to vote. It is much easier to vote today as North Dakota has early voting and also absentee voting. You can go online to nd.gov and order an absentee ballot at any time. Some people feel their vote does not count or they do not want to get involved in politics.

Each one of us must get involved and informed about each candidate and exercise our right to vote! I remember the 1972 North Dakota governor’s election was won by less than 20 votes. Your vote does count.

Many men and women of the past have given their lives to preserve this right for us today. We need to look at some of the countries that are in turmoil today and see that they have people who are fighting for the right to have a democracy like us. This is the best country in the world, but it could become like some other country that has lost Democracy and has become a dictatorship. I feel this is not impossible for the United States today! I beg you to do everything in your power to make it a point to vote this year.

This is my last article as my term as your senator will expire after this election. It has been an honor to serve you as your representative to the state legislative assembly. It also was a privilege to be part of the state Senate representing southwest North Dakota.

Our state is in good economic condition due to excellent energy and agriculture conditions, plus sound leadership. This will continue as long as you keep your local and state leaders informed and responsible to your needs.

Thank you for your thoughts, concerns and ideas over the past four years.

North Dakota is a great state and we have a bright future if all of us stay involved in our government affairs. God Bless you all!

Tags: opinion, column, columns, guest