We are not experts on the upcoming elections, but we can still have influence on the people closest to us, according to a Times magazine article. Well, do we have influence? Where are we missing the boat? Only 50% of registered voters in Albany County voted in the Primary election in August. Many of us had conversations with our family, friends, acquaintances, and co-workers, but did it make a difference? As trust declines in institutions, people are persuaded more by social media networks which means we have an opportunity to influence through social media.
First questions to ask is “Hey, are you registered to vote?” When we don’t take sides, we are able to focus on why voting matters, and how every vote counts. There are online resources available to help individuals check their voter registration status and even register to vote. Just like going to the doctor for your annual checkup, is voting another way of keeping our republic healthy? Consider what matters to you and consider which candidates best represent your needs and concerns. The average person is not a political junkie or expert, but they need to ask themselves where they would like to see the country in the next four years and how has it been for the past four years. Once an individual tells you what they really care about, it opens the door to having a conversation about the differences between the political parties on a specific issue.
We can make elections fun by having a pre-voter party. Invite friends, family and co-workers over for a pizza party. Vote.org offers a tool that allows people to enter their zip and see exactly who is running for each race, from state senators and representatives to the attorney general and treasurer. You can research a candidates stand on issues and email yourself a handy sheet of who you want to vote for. You can also make plans to go to the polls together, followed by a breakfast, lunch or dinner or even a stop at the coffee shop. Some people even dress up in patriotic attire to celebrate the occasion (have to be careful not to wear anything promoting a specific candidate). Remember, too, that not everyone is going to agree with you politically, but that is okay. You may not sway their party affiliation, but at least you can get them to have a conversation and/or be sure to vote. WHEN YOU DON’T EXERCISE YOUR RIGHTS, THEY CAN BE TAKEN AWAY. This realization can be a “wake-up” call. You can promise that if individuals don’t show up year after year, everything will remain the same.
Targeting a “group membership” can be an effective way to persuade people to vote. Unions do it all the time. How about your fitness class or if you play cards with a group? In the 2016 election, this worked quite well for voter turnout. Young people who are not eligible to vote can influence their families to vote – “tell their family what is important to them and why their family member should pledge to vote on their behalf.
Typical issues in communities can be local public-school budgets, school curriculum, whether potholes in the roads will be repaired, who’s the sheriff, economic development, and many other issues. Remind them they get to shape how their local government works. One excuse heard occasionally is “I don’t know enough about this person to vote for them” or “I don’t know enough about the issues to vote” so they opt out of voting. Remind them they are handing over their right to vote to someone who does. Voting outcomes are going to affect their life, family life, and the direction of the country is going to go. It simply means you have no voice in voting outcomes. Do you care about reproductive rights? Do you care about your trash getting picked up? Do you care about what is taught in schools? If you don’t vote, someone else will make that decision for you.
VOTE LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT!
Dr. Barb
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