A little over 45 years ago, 1971 to be exact, the 26th amendment to the Constitution was passed. I was in high school at the time, and everyone in school seemed to be talking about it with anticipation and excitement. It was a small amendment (as amendments go), a single sentence, just 36 words. Contrary to its size, this simple sentence would have everlasting impact historic in nature to millions of young people, including myself, across the country. It stated
‘The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age. ‘
It meant that when we graduated high school, we were going to be able to do something 18 year olds had never done in this country’s almost 200 years of existence. We were going to become full participants in the process that helps makes this great nation we live in what it is. We were going to be able to vote.
Over the years, that excitement for many has gotten lost. Our lives have gotten so busy, and we seem to grow (understandably) more cynical every day about the political system. Even with all that, I still look at voting not just as my right and privilege, but also as my responsibility as a citizen of this great country. There are many in the world that risk their lives just to do that which we take for granted. Many more who do not even have that option, the ability to vote.
Lyndon Johnson once said ‘voting is the first duty of democracy’. I ask that you please exercise your right, your privilege, and your duty, please go out and vote for the candidates of your choice.