The very idea of our nation being divided by “red” and “blue” states is moronic, but more importantly it’s frightening. For the Constitutional Convention in 1789, the most important amendment in the Bill of Rights was the first amendment and the right to vote. The principle behind a Democratic Republic, is that the voters select the president and legislators, who in turn serve the people. The Electoral College has divided our nation, and taken away the votes of millions of Americans. Too frequently your vote simply does not count.

Two quick examples; one personal, and one which proves the failure of our system today.

In 2000 and 2004, I voted for Al Gore and John Kerry. I looked at George W. Bush’s record personally, in business, and politically. I knew that he would be a disaster, and most likely the worst president in our nation’s history.

In 2000 Al Gore won the popular vote. As the recounts began in Florida, a right-wing led Supreme Court handed Bush the presidency by ordering a halt to the efforts of poll workers in Florida; an act to this day I believe was in opposition to the Constitution.

In 2004 my state, Nevada, was separated by only a few thousand votes for Bush and Kerry. Bush was given all of our states electoral votes; therefore, my vote never counted.

Members of the Electoral College are not bound to vote for candidates regardless of their final count in each state. It makes no sense to encourage Americans to vote knowing that their efforts may become useless.

Our nation must return to ‘one person, one vote, one winner’ as decided by the people, not a system chosen by Congress.

The United States of America has one of the worst voting records in the world. One of the primary reasons can be heard at any bar or cocktail party in the nation; “why should I vote? My vote doesn’t count anyway.”

The Electoral College removes the one power the people of our nation possess. If each of us knew that making the effort to go to the polls could be of great importance, more Americans, especially younger Americans, would go to the polls.

The whole idea of “red” and “blue” states disgusts me. There should be no “swing” states. The candidates should be forced to campaign with great vigor in every state of the Union. Each vote should be important to the man or woman who wants to win the presidency.

Our system has failed the only people who matter, the American people.

If you agree, please pass this on to everyone. I vote; I care; and I want my vote to have an impact on every presidential election. Stand up for the principles of our founding fathers. They believed that our votes are the most important contribution to our nation and its Democratic Republic.

Many changes are needed right here at home in the next four years. Our government and the system by which legislators and our president are elected must be repaired. You can make it happen if you have the courage and tenacity to make it so.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

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