Participate: it will help

As I sit down in my usual chair to compose this article “our modern window on the world,” my television, is tuned to CNN, which is broadcasting a comparison of modern voting technology. Described variously as touch screen, ATM style or like a “Palm Pilot® on steroids,” the reviewer contrasts some of the new systems for voting, which have become more popular since the Florida election debacle of 2000. Nothing attracts attention more than a catastrophic event. While many states and counties will experiment with evolving and untested voting machines, we here in Sullivan County will once again cast the vast majority of our ballots on our tried and proven mechanical lever machines.

I’ve reviewed many articles and seen numerous demonstrations of these new innovations including Internet voting, early-extended voting, total absentee voting, as well as many other concepts. One constant unfortunately dogs them all: voter participation remains very low, especially in comparison to other advanced democratic political entities.

I well remember the Freedom Riders and other participants in the Civil Rights movement, the ongoing women’s movement and the fight to include disabled Americans, as well as other efforts to broaden inclusiveness in our elections. Even so, I sadly note a continued lack of participation in the electoral process.

Although I was involved in numerous political causes and campaigns from my youngest days, I was very excited in 1972 after the passage and ratification of the 26th Amendment changing the legal voting age. I was among the first 18 year olds allowed to vote.

As an insider and commissioner of elections for Sullivan County for 16 years, I’ve proudly watched the continual easing of obstacles to voter registration. From the aforementioned 26th Amendment, to the 1993 “Motor-Voter Act,” to the upcoming impact of the recently passed federal legislation to provide $3.9 billion to update voting machines, provide more and better training for elections personnel effective voter education programs, there has been a progressive approach to heighten the participation of our populace in the elective process.

While I certainly support and encourage these noble efforts, I am also still woefully aware of the minimal impact they have had thus far.

Today, we have more political parties, easier ballot access and more media exposure than ever. Yet, with some of the tightest races in years, with issues such as war and peace, an uncertain economic future, the impact of various judicial appointments, and any number of other important social decisions to be determined, I doubt if overall turnout will exceed 50 percent of registered voters.

You can imagine my personal frustration when I observe many sports events enjoying a greater level of attention. Just picture the public indignation and outcry that would have occurred if the Giants hadn’t shown up to face the Angels in the recent World Series. Without competitors there wouldn’t have been even one game.

It seems as if “politics” or at least “politician” is regarded as a dirty word. However, without political parties to frame ideas, present candidates and promote ideological agendas, we, too, as citizens, would have no competition in the public forum. Parties create the arenas in which candidates compare and contest ideas, promote platforms, and, in the final analysis, offer a choice to the public. I commend everyone who takes the time and puts forth the effort to afford our fellow citizens an alternative.

People can participate in the political process in some way regardless of their wealth, educational background, ethnicity, disability or any other standard used to separate people from one another. Everyone may become involved and anyone can make a difference.

Although I am aware that this editorial will appear after Election Day, I encourage each of you to become involved in our future. Village elections are coming up shortly, and in a few months, plans will be underway for our local town and county elections. Campaigns will be looking for volunteers, issues will be developed and candidates for office will be needed. Why not get involved?

As Adlai Stevenson said nearly half a century ago, “This is America, anyone can become President. That’s one of the risks you take.”

Guest editorial by Tim Hill