It’s your vote, paid for by the sacrifice of others

Letter to the editor

Today, after months of attack ads, debates and endorsements, the midterm elections are upon us.

Based on historical trends, many people who voted last year will not show up to the polls this time.

The United States does not require one to vote, and you have every right to stay home.

However, the right to vote (or not to) was not just given to us.

Over the course of American history, people have risked and lost their lives guaranteeing your right to vote.

There was a civil war to save the union and enfranchise former slaves, a constitutional amendment to allow women to vote, the Civil Rights movement to end poll taxes and Jim Crow laws, and another constitutional amendment to allow 18 years to exercise their right to vote.

Even now, voting rights are under attack in numerous states.

In some places, veteran and student ID’s aren’t valid to vote, while early voting and registration are being rolled back in the name of “fighting voter fraud.”

You would think in 2014, they would be trying to get more people to vote, not less.

Across the world, people have risen against dictators to one day have what most Americans likely take for granted. Here, we can go to polling places without fear that our friends, family or selfs will be hunted down and killed.

The people of Egypt, Syria, Libya, Iraq and Afghanistan will tell you how hard it can be.

Let’s not forget the brave men and women of the armed forces who put their lives on the line to protect those rights.

Many have made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of our freedom.

Whether you vote Democrat, Republican, Libertarian or any other way, the most important thing is that you exercise your right.

These races are close and every vote counts.

I encourage you to go the the voting booth and make your voice hard. Democracy depends on it.

Steve Anderson

Graduate Student

Political Science