By Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi
On November 3, the U.S. will hold what is likely to be the most important election in our lifetime. The results of this election will have an impact on the lives of everyone in this country and are likely to reverberate across the planet for decades to come. The election is just too critical for anyone with a sense of humane responsibility to sit out. If we truly esteem the values of good will, loving-kindness, and compassion, we must express these ideals in the simple act of voting.
Voting is our voice, the way we silently say what we think is right. It’s an act by which, as mere individuals, we take responsibility for the whole. With our vote we speak on behalf of the entire nation, we speak for future generations, and indeed—given the leading role that the U.S. plays on the world stage—for the future destiny of humankind.
Though the actual Election Day falls on Tuesday, November 3rd, many states offer the chance to vote early and to vote by a mail-in ballot. New York State is one of these, so U.S. citizens living in New York State will be entitled to vote early or to send in their ballots by mail. Rules governing the voting process differ from state to state, so you should check online to find out the precise voting requirements in your state. Make sure you accept only accurate information coming from reliable sources, not the kind of disinformation floating around on malicious websites and Facebook pages. The most reliable source is probably Vote 411, which gives the requirements state by state.
While most attention will naturally be focused on the presidential election, you should remember that other offices will also be on the ballot. These include seats in the House of Representatives and 35 seats in the Senate; there will also be contests for state and local positions. While these may seem minor compared to the presidential race, we should give them our attention too. It’s our obligation not only to cast a vote for the presidential candidate we prefer, but also to vote for the candidates in these other races who best represent our values and policy preferences.
For whom should one vote? In making a choice, we should not expect any candidate to be perfect. Virtually any candidate is bound to have weak spots. Instead of looking for a perfect candidate, we should consider the alternatives before us and then determine which candidate seems most likely to contribute to peace and shared prosperity, to uphold democratic norms of governance, and to unify and inspire the country rather than incite violence and division. We should take into account not only whether their proposals will benefit us personally, but whether their ideas spring from a wide, sympathetic outlook that addresses the major challenges our country and the global community face today.
Once you make your decisions, don’t just sit quietly at home. Go out to vote, and also encourage your eligible family members, friends, and neighbors to vote.
And remember: Before you can vote, you have to register to vote. To register online, simply and efficiently, go here.
A further word: Your polling place likely needs your help. In the 2018 elections, 68% of precincts struggled to staff polling places. Understaffing leads to fewer polling places and longer wait times, making voting prohibitive to voters with limited time, childcare needs, or transportation concerns.
With COVID-19 still around, many former poll workers from higher-risk populations cannot volunteer this year. This means that during this crucial election there is a record shortage of poll workers. If you’re able to volunteer, visit All Voting is Local to sign up and serve your community today. By doing so, you’ll be defending democracy itself. Thank you.
Graphic source: Photo by cottonbro from Pexels
