November 2024: Get out and vote!

“Bad officials are elected by good citizens who don’t vote.” 


George Jean Nathan

American Drama Critic


St. Louis has 3,000 registered voters, and if past is prologue, at least 1,000 of them won’t cast ballots in the presidential election on Tuesday, Nov. 5. I’m writing to them this month. 


I respect your right not to vote but don’t understand your reasons. Our country is going through a rough time. This may be the most consequential presidential election of our lifetimes. Do you really want to sit on the sidelines? Are you that apathetic? Do you have a pulse?


One lady told me she won’t vote because she doesn’t like either candidate for president. Okay, fine. Don’t vote for president. But there are plenty of candidates seeking other offices. Why not vote for them? But her apathy is strong. My remarks fell on deaf ears. These are the people I’m trying to reach.


Republican Mike Rogers faces Democrat Elissa Slotkin in a Senate race with no incumbent. That could go either way in this state. It might determine which party controls the US Senate. You could be the deciding vote there.


Incumbent Republican Congressman John Moolenaar is challenged by Democrat Michael Lynch.


Incumbent Republican State Representative Jerry Never is challenged by Democrat Timothy Odykirk.


Incumbent Republican County Commissioner Jan Bunting is challenged by Democrat Kevin S. Taylor. (Jan beat yours truly by a handful of votes in 2022.)


Those are just a few of this year’s candidates.


Like it or not, the winners of these contests help determine the way our government operates. And that affects us all. Can you honestly say you want nothing to do with choosing the people who represent you in government? If so, what does that say about you?


Personally, I’ve voted in every presidential and mid-term election since 1980. Even when I was in the Navy I voted. Since moving to Gratiot County in 2001 I haven’t missed a state or local election either. 


You’re not wrong when you say your vote probably won’t make a difference. But a single vote is all any of us has. Do you think voters are wasting their time? Or are they carrying all the citizens who don’t exercise their franchise? Don’t be a freeloader on the body politic. Vote.


If you live in St. Louis you can cast your ballot at city hall from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5. 


Please get out there and vote like your life depends on it. This year it might be true.


School board


Unfortunately, no one turned in petitions to to run for two open seats on the school board this year. The positions will still be on your ballot. But you’ll need to write in the name of your candidate. The three candidates who emerged are Steven J. Brimmer, 56, Edward LaBlance, 48, and Carla Trevino, 56.

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