Why Vote?

So why should I vote?

We live in a democratic republic where politicians have power automatically granted to them by all of our nation’s people. If the people don’t express what they want (via voting and other means) to the politicians and/or candidates, then nothing besides existing law is stopping them from doing whatever they want with their power (and your tax dollars) – most likely to serve their self-interests instead of yours. To not vote is to hand them a blank check.

If you do not vote, you are telling politicians that they can safely ignore your voting category because no matter what they do with your tax dollar, you don’t care. Not voting is not a way to opt-out. In other words, not voting does not disable political power – rather it enables it to go unchecked. Many politicians already don’t care about their constituents. Vote in every election to help our democracy function as it should!

Every single vote matters and even more so in local municipal elections where a dozen voters can decide an election. Compared to state and federal elections, local municipal elections have lower voter participation rates. The Wayne Democratic Club is striving to change that via working towards building a caring and informed community.

Okay, so voting matters. How do I vote?

Check out the links in the ‘Voting’ tab on this website’s menu for how to register, or go to https://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/voter-registration.shtml and go through the registration process.

The Wayne Democratic Club recommends voting by mail as it is the most convenient and reliable way available. Mail in ballots arrive more than a month before election day, making sure that life’s little inconveniences don’t keep us from voting. In addition, mail in paper ballots are a permanent record based on tried and true technology that minimize human & machine reading error and fraud.

How do I know if my vote was counted?

In NJ there’s a website where you can track your ballot! https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/auth/sign-in

How should I vote?

First and foremost, vote in a way that allows you to continue voting and for your vote to continue to matter. Any candidate or party that would suppress or ignore your vote via claiming the election is a fraud (without strong evidence), demanding to be declared the victor, and/or not accepting the results of the election is trying to take your power to influence change away. In order to adapt to our constantly changing world, we must constantly be able to change ourselves, influence our political leaders and elect new ones if need be – at every level of government. Democracy is never done. We must continually pay attention, exercise our right to vote and encourage others to do the same in order for democracy to function.

Next, think about what issues and policies are important to you. Contrary to what many would like you to believe, the primary responsibility of politicians is to make laws, not to change culture. The culture of our country is ever-changing and influenced by history, movies, athletes, our friends, our families, school, work, technology, the internet, etc. and yes – in part by politicians.

Finally, remember to compromise. You don’t have to agree with everything that a candidate or party stands for, or every issue they push for. You just have to think about what’s most important to you and let everything else be. Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.