By Beth K. Chapman
Beth Chapman & Associates, L.L.C.

There are only two days when all people are truly created equal; election day and judgment day. On those two days, it doesn't matter if you’re male or female, black or white, Republican or Democrat; we’re all equal! The rich man’s vote is of no more value than the poor man’s vote. We all have only one vote.

The first time I voted was one of the most memorable days of my life. I loved that my opinion counted, my voice was heard and I could help make a "difference"! While I don’t always believe in the results of a democracy, I always believe in a democracy. Many people say, "My one vote doesn't count. Why should I vote"?

We should vote because it is our God-given right and the sacred, American freedom, for which so many men and women have fought and died to protect. We forget countries exist where citizens are not allowed to vote and live under a dictatorship. While at times we may feel like we do too, we don’t! We’re allowed freedom of religion, freedom of speech and certainly freedom to vote.

That simple freedom is a gift from those who’ve gone before us, but the preservation of that freedom is our gift to those who’ll follow. One vote does count, but only if it’s cast. In 1865, one vote saved President Andrew Johnson from impeachment. In 1865, one vote made Rutherford B. Hayes President of the United States. In 1923, one vote gave Adolph Hitler control over the NAZI Party and we all know what heinous crimes occurred as a result of that one vote. Millions died because one person failed to vote.

For many years, we’ve focused on Alabama ranking among the lowest nationally in the number of elected and appointed women and corporate executives. However, we’ve failed to capitalize on the fact that we comprise an estimated 52% of our state’s voting population. We hold with the simple stroke of a pencil, the ability to elect honest, qualified people, be they men or women to serve in those positions. Issues we can vote for directly, we should. Otherwise, we should vote for people who share our views on the issues and will vote accordingly. We should elect people who don’t get involved in politics to find a cause and a passion, but people who have a cause and passion to get involved in politics in the first place. We need to vote for people who will work, not for the next election, but for the next generation. If we can’t find them, we need to consider offering ourselves for public service.

We need to become informed voters. Everyone knows what the Governor does. But what about the Supreme Court which rules on crucial decisions such as the recent franchise tax? What about the Public Service Commission which regulates our power, gas and telephone bills?

Education is the number one priority in every poll, yet few people vote for the State Board of Education. Fewer attend their meetings, or telephone to express their concerns. Meanwhile, crime and drugs fill our school yards, we lead the nation in teenage, unwed pregnancies, and we’re at the bottom of the education totem pole. Each year, one million students in our country drop out of high school and approximately 750,000 graduates can’t read their diplomas.

The old adage, "Put your money where your mouth is," should be, "Put your vote where your mouth is." Find the candidates who share your political philosophy, social and moral concerns. Get involved in their campaigns. Vote and encourage others to do the same.

Women tend not to become "politically involved." Yet every time we turn on a water faucet or light switch we are. Every time we put our children on a school bus, mail a letter, check out a library book, apply for a loan, shop or pay taxes, we’re "politically involved."

Democracy is not a spectator sport! Our freedom was not won, nor will it be maintained by those unwilling to become "politically involved". Its preservation demands our participation in every election. It’s our responsibility to uphold the greatest system of government and exercise the greatest freedom ever devised. Ours is a system for, by, and of the people. Therefore, it is no stronger or better than the "people." Let us not forget, we are the people!

When it comes to voting, there are usually three things people do: they watch what happens, they make things happen, or after it’s too late, they say, "What happened"? Let’s make great things happen in the new Millennium by voting in record numbers.

Helen Keller once said, "I am only one, yet I am one. I cannot do everything, yet I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do." May we strive to do the something we can do . . .VOTE!

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