Why Should You Vote?

Out of high school, I joined the military and served a little over 5 years, getting out just before the birth of my first child. My military experience included serving on a volunteer duty of honor guard.

The honor guard would present the colors at events, and we also presented a flag and 21-gun salutes at military funerals. Presenting the colors was amazing, but the military funerals changed my life in ways that are hard to define. The reverence of foliding a flag that was just over the casket and placing it in their loved ones arms, the call of "ready? aim! fire!" and 7 rifles sounding off in perfect timing, and repeated two more times, the quiet rides back to base contemplating the sacred ceremony we just completed. What an honor it was to give a final salute to a fallen military member—some older who had lived a full life, others who paid the ultimate price and had their life cut short during military service.

My sense of patriotism and connection to others grew so strong during my time on the honor guard. I think that experience is why I enjoy finding opportunities to serve others. Part of patriotism, in my opinion, is exercising our right to vote. Voting is our civic duty.

Taking time to speak with candidates and trying to see if you feel aligned with their ideas is so important. Sometimes we might think it’s not really worth it to vote. How can my vote make a difference? Maybe you’ve voted before and your choice didn’t win, and eventually you decide not to vote anymore.

As an American and West Point resident, I beg you to take voting seriously. Make time to research candidates. Send an email, a text or call, pick up the phone and call them, read up on their website. Did you know that in our last municipal election there was a tie for our third council seat? I’m guessing it was extra close because so few chose to vote.

I appreciate those who value our right to vote and faithfully cast their vote each time there is an opportunity to do so. When you choose to vote, you are participating in the outcome of the city. Your voice is heard. Can you imagine never voting, then getting frustrated about how things are going, and suddenly deciding to run for office? That’s some real irony.

I believe in leading by example. I’m not claiming to be perfect, but I’m always trying and improving. When it comes to voting, I'm learning about other candidates and what’s important to them, why they’re running for office, what their ideas are for the future.

I like the quote, “When you know better, you do better.” So if you can improve your own process of choosing who to vote for—or even simply choosing to vote—I encourage you to do it. Start now. Take on an attitude of growing and learning, and make a difference.