Election Day: celebrate an American tradition

James Ricks, Staff Writer

‘Twas the night before Elections, and all through the town, not a voter was stirring, making Washington frown. The ballots were left all alone without care, with no hope of making a difference this year. The fast growing problem, as midterms come to a close, is the alarming trend of just staying home. ‘Tis the season to eat turkey, to don fluffy coats. But, most importantly, children, ‘tis the season to vote.

Instead of finding presents under the tree, we find ballots in our mailboxes; the gift every year is our opportunity to vote—to participate in the time-honored tradition of choosing our representation in government.

Election Day, truly, is a more mature Christmas.

But it hasn’t of course, always been this way. We’re all familiar with our colonial heritage, and the grievances and ideals that led to the Revolutionary War. We’ve been taught since we were young about the men that fought and died for the rights we have today. The Santa Clause’s of Election Day, the Founding Fathers gave their lives selflessly to the cause of freedom.

Their legacy we celebrate not on July 4, but on the Tuesday following the first Monday of every November.

And like fireworks on the fourth, voting is the Election Day tradition. And unlike cleaning up after the fourth, the fallout of Election Day will affect each of us for years following. We can all have representation in government, but only if we choose to be represented. If we care to have a representative government, if we care that the legislation in Congress reflects our desires, we must be informed. We must vote.

Otherwise, how are we to expect Congress to get things done? If you don’t like what Congress is doing year-round, vote for someone else on Election Day. Until each of us has voted, no one should be complaining. And most importantly, for those of you that aren’t eighteen yet, quit your kvetching.

And if you don’t like voting, that’s okay, but it can’t be worse than the nasty, itchy wool sweater your great-aunt gave you last Christmas. The point is that you don’t have to like it. You wore that sweater at least once, right? Just give the Founding Fathers the same courtesy by being informed and voting wisely.

And, for the rest of you that have turned eighteen, be excited by Election Day. Like the four-year-old on Christmas morning, don’t feel ashamed or embarrassed to tear through that envelope. Relish the opportunity you have. Cherish the gift you’ve been given. Because when you leave that ballot blank, our poor Founding Fathers roll over in their graves. It’s our duty to honor the sacrifices they made on our behalf.

Have an Egalitarian Election Day, Patriots.