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# Editor’s Memo: Democracy is NOT a Spectator Sport
June 06 2016
Written by Ken Draper.
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CITYWATCH TODAY—You have an election to attend to Tuesday. You have a choice: vote or be fined! Not really of course, but in California … the laid back voting capital of the country … it might not be a bad idea.
It may come as news to you, but democracy is NOT a spectator sport. A government of, by and for the people requires informed participation. That’s how this home of the free we keep bragging about got started. Some folks ‘didn’t want to take it anymore’ and they got involved. Then, there were those … rightly or wrongly … over the years who gave their lives thinking they were protecting that participatory democracy idea. At least the right to participate. So, another way of viewing it might be: you owe some folks.
A Pennsylvania state senator proposed fines for non-voters. Voting is a duty, he said. Also...
Australia has been fining non-voters since the 1920’s. Voter turnout in federal elections after that has NEVER been below 90%.
I offer you this thought: With democracies, history has taught us that if you don’t use your voice … the people’s voice … you wind up losing it. I’m hoping you’re not okay with that possibility.
Tuesday, June 7 there is an important primary election in your Golden State. Refuse to be a spectator. Get out and speak up. Vote!
Ken Draper-Editor, CityWatch
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