Democracy won't work without your vote

My 45-year-old son doesn’t vote. His revelation triggered a deep discussion. Voting is our voice in a democracy. Yet voter apathy is growing in the United States. People don’t trust that their vote counts. Can you imagine living in a country where you had no voice? 

After our conversation, my son is now registered to vote. Encourage others to vote. Have the conversation. The topics we discussed were:

• Vote for the person representing your values, not just a party ticket. 

• One candidate will feel better than the other, even if they are not perfect. 

• Get to know your local politicians. Some really good people want to work for the good of the community. Go to open houses, local debates, fairs, etc. Talk to them. 

• Vote the whole ballot: I’m amazed that many voters don’t vote all of the way down the ticket. Read the voter pamphlet that registered voters receive. 

• Registration is easy. Go to voteidaho.gov. Request an absentee ballot or vote early at the county office.

And consider the independent movement; the candidates have no ties to the machine.

JANE HOOVER

Priest River