Several days ago we here in Delaware had the opportunity to participate in statewide primary elections. The Democratic Party turnout was reported to be 20% overall with the Republican participation somewhat smaller. No other party participated in the event to the best of my knowledge.
On Primary day my job was to support a candidate at a polling place by wearing a billboard t-shirt and handing out campaign literature. The passed without real event. My candidate lost the election but the participation is the real point of writing.
Over the course of 11 hours at the poll the group of candidate volunteers ranged from about 5 people to as many as 20. All ages, sexes, and races were represented. The larger individual campaigns were well organized with water, snacks, and lunch provided to the volunteers. The weather was perfect with sun and enough warmth to be comfortable without baking as we did in August.
During the day one group of about 7 of us stayed settled near one another. The rounds of conversation were steady and centered, as might be expected, on politics and the state of the nation today. For the most part no holds were barred as we discussed racial issues, LGBT issues, income inequality, and a variety of other social ills of the day. Candidates were assessed in a freewheeling discussion during which no voices were raised at any point. Sometimes a consensus could not be reached in which case we agreed to disagree and continued our interactions in a most civil manner. All the people in the small discussion group were long time campaign volunteers. No newcomers on that day. The level of experience was very varied but the entire group was one dedicated and hardworking set of people.
One lady more than one time voiced her personal state of action in saying if a person wanted to discuss politics the first question to be asked was if or not the person was a registered voter. Not registered then no further discussion allowed. Most of us agreed her position was a sensible one even if not all of us could adhere to such a hardline position.
We all have the opportunity to choose what actions we take on a daily basis to further our own political education and involvement. There are so many possible avenues to take that no one need be left behind during the race to November. No matter what else we do we should always be encouraging people to register and to vote. No vote, no voice. In my life no vote, no freedom to complain about the actions of elected officials.
Action is the watchword for the upcoming days. There is much work to do to bring about the social and political change many of us wish to see. If we fail to take personal action and hold ourselves accountable we have no one but ourselves to blame for a failed outcome. So whatever else you do get off the sofa, leave the keyboard behind, and get out to talk to people. Take every opportunity to enlighten the less well educated to the political realities of today. Together we can change the world.
Peace.
