It’s just a matter of days until the mid-term elections. Because they’re just the mid-term elections, they might not seem as important, might not seem as big, but, the stakes are high. There are 37 states electing governors this year. That’s 37 races that will help define the future of 37 states –37 opportunities to make a real difference in our schools, 37 opportunities to fund universities, 37 opportunities to make a lasting difference in the environment. And then there is the political difference –these 37 new leaders will also help to redraw the political lines within their states, helping to determine the balance of power between two political parties, and within Congress.
And then there is Congress – our national legislators, our law makers. This is the body that passes our national budget, determines allocation of funds. There are 19 seats in play in the Senate, 109 seats in play in the House. These lawmakers will determine the future of health care reform, decide whether to ratify important international treaties, and generally impact the quality of our lives. They have the potential to drag our country to a standstill over politics as other countries continue to improve their schools and promote trade. Or, they have the potential to push a real reform agenda, partnering with the President to help improve the way that we govern.
And that’s not even talking about the individual ballot measures in each state, or the local elections impacting local schools or zoning issues.
Special interest groups have been heavily engaged all year, playing a role, spending their money, making sure that their voices are being heard. The money being spent is staggering.
But –at the end of the day, the thing that matters the most is the your vote. That’s what it’s all about –your one individual vote. That vote has the power to help re-shape the future of our country and to help realize so many dreams. It’s just a push of a button, or a tick mark with a pen. It’s five minutes at a polling station or 30 seconds to lick an envelope shut and drop it in the mailbox. But, it makes all the difference.
November 2, 2010 – VOTE!
Please?
