The Season of Elections

Every four years the most important event in a democracy occurs. It is always the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.  It is a season that brings things like fake news, exaggerated news, 24 news cycles, bias, debates, insults, name calling, meet and greets and so much more. It can be very difficult to understand what the truth is.  It is an incredibly daunting experience to understand what is “out” there when it comes to issues and candidates.  So much so that many will opt out.  

As a student of history and politics for the last 40 years I have some thoughts that will hopefully make your election season a little less stressful. The teacher in me wants to help. So…here we go.

1. Identify your values.  What is important to you?  To your family?  What do you want your kids to see and understand about the people who are leading our country?

2. What is it that you need for your family?  Your personal success?

3. What do others need?  How is it that you can help others?  It can be hard to look beyond ourselves, our families, and our needs.  It is a fact that the more we work together, the better we will be as a country.

4. This one is tricky and may take a bit of time.  Make sure that the sources you are using have as little bias as possible.  Look beyond your usual outlet to understand a different perspective.  Here is a bit of help.

5.   Look at the candidates' stand on issues.  Remember those that you chose above?  Compare the candidates and their position on those issues.  Perhaps do a little fact checking.  This is an easy Google Search.

6.  Make sure that your candidate has a solid moral center. How can this be identified?  Easy…the kid test. Would you want your children or any child to behave the way the candidate does?  No one is perfect, but we must decide what kind of behavior is acceptable.

7.   Listen for concerning behavior or speech that involves in ANY way an appreciation for another type of government than democracy.  

8.  Consider who you want making decisions about things like Supreme Court Justices who serve for life. 

9.  Vote!  Make sure your registered to vote (almost half of the states have same day registration). Plan. Vote as a family.  If it’s tough or you can’t make it that evening, vote by mail or via absentee ballot. Help others vote.  Give rides or watch people's children so that they can take the time to vote.

Democracy doesn’t work if you don’t show up, so don’t sit this one out!

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