Sometimes we get what we vote for.(From the Publisher)

... and the converse is also true: "Sometimes we get what we don't vote for!" When Candidate A or Proposition 100 wins in a low-vote turnout, it might easily be misconstrued that everybody is satisfied with the status quo and therefore very few bothered, or thought it necessary, to vote.

The upshot of this may be that potentially unworthy candidates or incumbents are returned to office, and ill-conceived propositions end up in the law books. Perhaps, just perhaps, that is why Alaska finds itself in the unenviable position it is in now--still the brunt TV news punditariots, late night comedians and day-timer talk show hosts.

Therefore, editorial writers fervently disparage errant voters to do their duty and vote. To shame them, if necessary, by reminding them that their one vote really may actually count: a candidate may win or lose by their single non-cast vote. And the writer will cite all kind of examples to make their "One Vote Counts" argument, such as:

* One vote gave Rutherford B. Hayes the U.S. presidency in 1876;

* One vote gave the head of the Nazi Party to Adolph Hitler in 1923;

* One vote saved the Selective Service one day before Pearl Harbor in 1945;

* One vote kept Richard Nixon from becoming president over John F. Kennedy in 1960; and more.

Of course none of this is true, although often repeated by those passionately inciting others to vote. Give them A for effort but F for accuracy and failing to check facts.

YES, JOE, YOUR 1 VOTE REALLY DOES COUNT

And the reason that it does count is because, when added together with all of the other nonvotes, the numbers can have far-reaching significance. If Alaskans and Americans are to take back their government, as many are suggesting we need do, then it will not be done by nonvoters! If voters are silent on candidates, what else are they to think but that no one really cares what they do or is watching what they do? Governance is far too important to leave up to politicians alone; and, it was never intended to be that way in the first place. Somewhere along the way we became distracted with all of the other things to which we must attend in today's world. Now, however, we need to prioritize--make just a little more time to pay attention, ask questions and get answers; maybe even show up at a meeting of interest every so often. Start planning for your next vote right away. Don't let a good system go bad, all for the want of your vote. As has often been attributed to Benjamin Franklin:

* For the want of a nail the shoe was lost.

* For the want of a shoe the horse was lost.

* For the want of a horse a rider was lost.

* For the want of a rider the battle was lost.

* For the want of the battle the kingdom was lost.

* And all for the want of a nail.

Start planing now to participate in future elections. It may require some long term re-ordering of priorities. The work can all be done by mail, if that is the easiest way for you to help. Alaska and America want your vote.

--Vern McCorkle

Publisher

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