To the Editor:
In recent recall, this was the least cold November election day. But what warms my heart more than the weather is the opportunity to influence the next generation and to ignite a fire by example. The example of valuing the ballot box. From pulling a lever to pushing a button, our voices are heard.
My sister, brother-in-law, two nieces ages 5 and 3, plus a newborn nephew took the opportunity to ride their bikes to the polls. Instilling pride in voting has been a family tradition. It brings back memories of working the polls for hours, on much colder days than today. As my parents taught it is not just a civic duty to cast a vote but a right and honor, my sister instills the same values with her children.
On a national level, we have secured a voice for all, from the 15th amendment that allowed blacks to vote to the 5,000-10,000 estimated marchers of the women’s suffrage movement for women’s right to vote. Our right to vote and our voice have been secured through the hard work of those before us.
As someone on the ballot, I ask why we don’t see even more votes cast. Only 11% in Johnson County of eligible voters. Maybe I am asking the wrong question, maybe it should be asked, what can politicians do to earn more votes? Especially on a local level. Either way, I want my neighbors heard at the ballot box, because your views do matter.
Thank you to Greenwood for the many votes I received for the Greenwood Common Council race. Thank you for making your voice heard this election season. And thank you for the opportunity to show the next generation that votes do matter, and that our voices are heard.
James Sceniak
Greenwood
