It’s election season
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Publisher’s Note: The following is an analysis on voting from Chief Reporter Jeff Snyder on the upcoming midterm election.
By Jeff Snyder
MOUNT AYR, Iowa — In just a bit more than four weeks, residents of Ringgold County and all of Iowa, as well as throughout the nation, will head to their assigned polling station to cast their votes for this years candidates. The mid-terms, as they are referred to, consist of high profile state and federal seats, and even the governor’s seat is to be decided all on the same day. Local positions are also decided upon in this cycle as well.
Voting is how each and every registered Iowan gets to share in this important civic duty. Casting your vote gives you a seat at the table, as the democratic process unfolds. Choosing these federal representatives have far reaching ramifications as each race may determine who controls two of the three branches of government in the United States. Copious amounts of money are spent in an attempt to sway voters in one direction or another. Super PACS that funnel millions of dollars into the market flood the airwaves with advertising with numbing effects.
Each candidate and their proxies sling mud in the direction of their opponent hoping that enough of it will stick to persuade a check box in their favor. It’s ugly, misleading and frustrating for the average voter to gain a clear picture of the candidates potential, while trying to separate fact from fiction. Some will allow their frustration to keep them from voting for anyone, not knowing who to trust. This doesn’t help.
As part of the democratic system of government, it is incumbent upon each individual to do their homework on the available choices. Understanding that politics is indeed a blood sport might help voters be more at peace when making their selections. Despite rumors to the contrary, politicians are indeed human beings. They have a belief system and the requisite emotions that go along with these large responsibilities.
First and foremost they understand that they need to be elected first before they can even attempt to fulfill on a campaign promise. As such, voters need to pay careful attention to their selections as each candidate typically has a past that they either fall back on or run from as they seek higher office. While changing one’s position on an issue is not uncommon, it may be a red flag if the changes are significant enough. Appeasing the general public and saying whatever the candidate believes that they need to say to get elected is very different than taking a stance and sticking to it. This is where the homework part comes into play. Understanding that elected officials are hired by the public to perform a task. They are to represent the population of the state, county and towns that they will provide voice for. They are indeed public servants which need to be held accountable by the very people that chose them to perform on their behalf. The civic responsibility does not end when the last lever is pressed. It extends to the future as political rhetoric is replaced by a call to action and the development of a track record. It is the voters responsibility to make sure their representation is keeping their word. It is the voters responsibility to pay attention to the choices their reps are making and then voicing their approval or disappointment at the next election cycle. The fact that politics is a blood sport cuts both ways. The voter always has the last word. Just make sure it is heard. On Tuesday, November, 3 is the voting public’s chance — don’t miss it.
