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Part I: The Sanctity of Your Vote
2024 will be an eventful year. California’s primary election is on March 5. Ballots will begin appearing in mailboxes at the beginning of February. This commentary is the first of what I hope will be a series of several articles about how you can get the most for your vote. Step 1 is realizing how precious your vote is.
“The right of voting for representatives is the primary right by which other rights are protected. To take away this right is to reduce a man to slavery, for slavery consists in being subject to the will of another, and he that has not a vote in the election of representatives is in this case.” -Thomas Paine
It is the nature of governments throughout history, no matter how benevolent they may at first be or appear, to accumulate power at the expense of the governed. This is true for a monarchy, a dictatorship, a democracy, or a republic. In recognition of the historical shortcomings of all governments our US Constitution focuses on “We The People.” It stipulates that the people have rights that the government cannot take away. It firmly places the government in the service of the people, which is exactly where it belongs. Our California state constitution declares that “All political power is inherent in the people. Government is instituted for their protection, security, and benefit, and they have the right to alter or reform it when the public good may require.”
Elections are an opportunity to express one’s will, as well as a struggle to remain free. As long as nations have existed on the Earth they have meddled in each other’s politics. Our vote defends us from the influence of hostile nations, friendly nations, our own government, and institutions and individuals with money and power who do not share or understand our interests and needs. Such elements as these can be selfish, brutal, and frighteningly methodical when it comes to selecting and implementing their objectives. Their success often has irreversible negative effects on our lives.
Whether to protect ourselves from enemies foreign or domestic, or even from our own government, your vote is critical. Possibly the least threatening to our election-related concerns are the interests of our fellow citizens, of whichever party, who drink the same water that we drink, breathe the same air, drive on the same roads, etc.
The primary criterion for conviction in a criminal trial is “proof beyond a reasonable doubt.” Confidence in an election should also be beyond a reasonable doubt. That’s why there is such demand for transparency in our elections. If I enter into a transaction in which my freedom is at stake I most certainly do not want ambiguity about the final outcome of that transaction. The dreadful consequence of a faulty election is that those who move into, or remain in, power are the ones who will set or enforce the rules for future elections.
To the extent allowed by California law San Benito County’s election processes are transparent. Our Registrar of Voters wants citizens to understand our election processes. I highly recommend taking a tour of the office to meet the people involved, and to improve your understanding of the complex processes that our Elections staff manage and maintain.
In recent years 90-95% of the ballots in our county have arrived by mail or drop box. If you choose to vote in person you walk up to the check-in table, state your name, and then you’ll be asked for your address. If you are not registered to vote you can register on the spot. In 2022 some in-person voters proudly displayed their ID upon check-in, only to discover to their surprise that voter ID was not required!
Every time an illegitimate vote is cast, a legitimate voter becomes a victim. Ten illegitimate votes may not change the outcome of a contest, but those ten votes canceled ten other legitimate votes. That silences someone’s voice in their quest for freedom.
Be proud of your right to vote. Exercise that right. Be gracious and respect the rights of others to vote. Consider your vote as a service to other citizens, and as an expression of your consideration for them. Jealously guard the sanctity of your vote and the votes of the rest of your community. The main objective is not to pick the winner in every contest, but to make sure that our election system survives with integrity for our children and grandchildren.