Voting foundation of democracy system
by Jessica Petty, reporter

     When looked up in Encyclopedia Britannica, democracy means “available to the broad masses of the people, favoring social equality.”

     The democratic system is what allows for every person in this nation to have a voice that is weighed equally, no matter race, sex or status.

     The election process is the entire foundation of the democratic system.

     The American public takes advantage of this freedom through voting in elections.

     If citizens are dissatisfied with the performance of our elected officials, this is the one time a year we can do something about it.

     These elected officials decide what laws we live by, the shape of the economy and the direction of the nation.

     Since I was 18, I have voted in every election but one. I was taught at a young age that if I didn’t speak out when I got my chance, then there was nothing for me to complain about later.

     I enjoy the right to say whatever I want to about my country and the leaders who run it.

     It is ironic to me that people can use the Bill of Rights to defend free speech and the right to protest, but they ignore their right to the fundamental process of elections.

     It is as if they don’t want to bother with the issues a

nd elections but would like to speak out about indifference later.
     Only about 40 percent of the nation voted in the election this week. That is a staggering number compared to elections in the past.

     I can see why many people are afraid or embarrassed about what they don’t know.

     They think that their vote won’t matter or they don’t know about the candidates and the issues.

     In the future, there will be no need for the Electoral College, the voting of the representatives of each state in accordance with the people’s popular vote.

     Once this happens, everyone’s vote will matter because those votes would decide the winner.

     I voted because my ballot did count in one of the closest election races in recent history, electing a president who is arguably the most important political person in the world—depending on when we know the outcome!

     I voted the way I did because I don’t agree with Al Gore’s views on abortion, Social Security and gun control—not to mention the methods by which he gains public approval.

     I do not want a president who lies to gain a vote and fabricates stories that are easily disproved.

     Al Gore did not invent the Internet; his mother did not sing him the “Union Label” song, nor did he visit Parker County during the fires.

     This was my chance to speak to the nation about whom I will endorse as leader of one of the most powerful nations in the world.
     I voted because I don’t want to just live in this country. I want to have an impact on the politicians who represent me.