By Michael Fryzel
With so many elections held in this country every year from the local to the national level, it is sometimes difficult for voters to get excited about casting a ballot. Either they feel the issues don’t impact them or they cannot decide for which candidate to vote.
Regardless of the reason there is no excuse for not voting in an election. Every citizen is impacted in some way by the philosophy, ideology or approach to government by an elected official. So they may think they are not affected by the decisions that official makes but they are very wrong. And the excuse that they do not know who to vote for is equally lame. They need to take the time and effort to educate themselves on who is running, what their record is and what they are advocating to do.
This year’s national election has taken on an importance that mandates every citizen register to vote, study the candidates, determine the potential impact on their lives, be vocal in their support and most importantly, vote on November 8.
It goes without saying that another eight months of the type of politicking that is going on will be extremely difficult for the normal person to understand. Of course the newscasters, pundits, commentators and political junkies will enjoy every second of it. It is however something that must be endured because the stakes are so high that both parties will do and say almost anything to win.
We have already seen that this year is unlike any other election year. All segments of our population, in some way or another, are not pleased with this country’s direction and how their lives are being impacted. Whatever one’s ethic origin, religion, race, age, sex or state of residence, there is some issue that needs to be corrected.
Don't Waste The Opportunity
Each of the major parties’ nominees for president has yet to be officially decided. We know who the leaders for the nominations are and if their positions hold, this will be both an historical and never to be forgotten run for the White House. Potentially we will have the first woman nominated to run for president and for the opposing party the first person since Dwight D. Eisenhower who has never held elected office. It’s the making of history that may never be repeated.
For individuals to say that they have no interest in the race for president or they cannot support either candidate and whoever is elected will not change their lives, they need to get serious. This election will impact the country’s future and every individual’s rights for generations.
It does not matter if you lean right, left or fall in the middle, your vote in this election may be the most important one you ever cast. Don’t waste it by not exercising your right, privilege and duty.
Michael Fryzel is the former chairman of NCUA and NCUA board member who is now in private practice in Chicago. Mr. Fryzel can be reached at meflaw@aol.com.