The Responsibility of the Voter

A One-Vote Oddity

Liberty Means Responsibility

 

The National Court Reporters Association Website reports the following One Vote anomalies:

 

In 1993, more than fifty of the state of Missouri's municipal elections ended in a tie.

 

In 1997, South Dakota Democrat John McIntyre led Republican Hal Wick 4,195 votes to 4,191 for the second seat in Legislative District 12 on election night. Naturally, a recount was asked for and granted. The recount showed Wick the winner at 4,192 votes to 4,191. (He gained one vote and his opponent lost four.) The State Supreme Court, however, ruled that one ballot counted for Wick was invalid due to an overvote. This left the race a tie. After hearing arguments from both sides, the state legislature voted to seat Wick by a vote of 46-20.

 

In 1998, Donald Sherwood was elected to the House of Representatives from Pennsylvania by a margin of 515 votes, less than one vote per precinct, making this election the closest House of Representatives race in 1998.

 

A wise man once said, “Liberty means responsibility...this is why most men dread it.”  Your liberty to vote was purchased by the blood of generations that have gone before you and some who, perhaps before you finish reading this sentence, will give their today. Do you dread and run from your responsibility or do you delight in and embrace your responsibility?  How important is your vote? Important enough that others have died to give it to you.

Your vote is yours to cast. No one can do it for you. Make sure you vote. Make sure that your vote is counted this election. Do your duty. Make a difference. Vote.