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BY KEN ROSEVEAR


We've all heard the reasons why we should vote but it stills comes down to the individual's desire to get off the couch, fill out the ballot or drive to the precinct and VOTE.

With a city of Yuma election coming up, many people have already voted by absentee ballot or they're planning to go on Election Day.

What's this line we hear that “my vote doesn't count”? If you've ignored past elections because your vote doesn't count, you'll probably do it again. After all, these candidates are all the same and their representation is irrelevant, right?

Wrong, and you'll continue to be unhappy along with others because this apathy, inaction and ineffectiveness becomes a powerful force in and of itself. Don't let anybody convince you that one vote doesn't count.

Tell that to the people of Florida in the 2000 presidential election when the race was decided by less than 600 votes. Many local elections have been decided by even fewer overall votes. If you are disgruntled, express your feelings on the ballot by selecting the person that most meets your agenda.

The election of a county supervisor, a council member, mayor, judge, a school board member or sheriff gives these people the right to formulate policies that will affect the future of our communities. Believe me, who wins does impact your life and your vote does count.

Educate yourself on the candidates and issues before you vote. Do your homework, read all available information to learn more about the candidates, special issues and propositions.

Vote to secure your safety. Different leaders have different opinions on how to protect us. Choose leaders who you feel will protect your family's safety and civil rights.

Next, vote to keep your money … the primary thing government does is collect taxes. They take a significant portion of each paycheck to provide critical services such as police, fire, roads, public works and infrastructure — and in some cases, unimportant expenditures.

Politicians decide what taxes we pay. They put forth bond issues, amendments, and pass ordinances. They decide whether you pay more property and sales taxes. Elected officials should understand that it is your neighborhood.

These officials and judges make daily decisions about crime prevention, laws and law enforcement, safe and affordable businesses, homes, traffic routes, where to put schools and on parks and recreation.

They also decide issues concerning your career and lifestyle so why not vote for a candidate who will make your life easier. Your votes help decide the outcome of these issues, even though the outcome doesn't always meet your expectations. Don't be comfortable in letting “anybody” make these important decisions without exercising your right to vote.

Education is an extremely important issue to our local area. You elect local school board members who set public education policy and budgets that will affect how well prepared our children and grandchildren will be in the future. College boards directly affect the quality and cost of higher education.

Supporting city, town and regional elections helps to reinforce our county-wide agendas. Your vote sends a signal to our elected officials that they will be held accountable to the public, they will be held to standards to provide adequate information and answer citizens' questions and address their concerns and respond to unfilled promises to the general public.

Back candidates who understand Yuma's economy and candidates who have a vision and have demonstrated strong character. Voting sets a good example to others, especially your children and they will learn by your example.

Make candidate selections by discussing issues with your family and friends. Proudly display your “I Voted Today” sticker after you vote.

In the words of Mark Twain, “The government is merely a servant — merely a temporary servant; it cannot be its prerogative to determine what is right and what is wrong, and decide who is a patriot and who isn't. Its function is to obey orders, not originate them.”

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