On September 10, it’s Primary day; your day to make a difference. In the last election, in 2009, voter turnout in Greenpoint and Williamsburg was abysmal. Most North Brooklyn census tracts had turnouts below 20%. It’s vital to remind yourself how important your vote really is.
So, what do you gain through voting? Elected officials know who votes. If this community is turning out less than other neighborhoods, elected officials will pay less attention to us, make fewer appearances here, and provide fewer services.
Those who vote have a powerful impact on public policy and government. You and your neighbors have policy and political concerns, whether they’re related to a particular issue or priorities for public budgets—and they won’t be known if you don’t vote!
Now some will say all parties are essentially owned, and aim to do the bidding of powerful lobbying groups. There are no candidates worth voting for. They all come from the same mold. And some will say, “All are corrupt.” Does this mean that voting is a waste of time?
Never. Voting is a responsibility of the citizens of a free nation, one that ensures the government is run by the appropriate people. Those who don’t vote due to political apathy or laziness give up their right to express an opinion about the government.
Your future, and the future of the community, depend on everyone’s vote. Many times the polls don’t accurately reflect the actual outcome, and so voters stay home and don’t vote. And that allows the bad apples in government to stay in power! If you don’t vote, don’t complain about the government.
The excuse heard most often for not voting in a public election is, “my one vote won’t make a difference.” Do you really think so?
In 2009, when Mayor Michael Bloomberg ran for a third term, his opponent Bill Thompson lost by less than 5% of the vote. In the days leading up to the election, polls showed Bloomberg with as much as an 18-point lead. Many voters decided it was over and stayed home, allowing the Mayor to win his third term. Last year, in another low voter-turnout race, Chris Olechowski defeated Lincoln Restler by 19 votes in their contentious race for the post of 50th Assembly District Leader.
If you thought your one vote wouldn’t make a difference, think again—and cast your vote.
Still on fire,
Phil
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