Support good people

When I ran for school board, I had the help of a woman who had supported candidates in the past. At some point I asked, “Why do you spend all this time helping with elections?” Her answer was instructive and formative: “I support good people.”

I supported a good woman who ran for mayor. I attended candidate forums, brainstorming and planning meetings. I knocked on doors. I made calls and contacted people on social media asking them to spread the word. I donated money.

Then I stood, holding a sign reminding people to vote, while my feet froze.

Our government was not organized by a representation of the people. The greatest commonality the signers shared was a history of speaking out against unfair laws. These were the people who were heard. Those who get involved have the voice. Good people must mean representative. Then, gender, ethnicity, class and education limited participation. Today, most limitations on participation are self-imposed. Voter suppression in the form of poll closures and ID laws can be addressed when good people speak up. It is a credit to the voice of Arkansas citizens that Governor Hutchinson has authorized absentee ballot voting for anyone with covid health concerns.

Each of us doing something more than merely voting is a deeper, more powerful use of our speech. This year my husband and I, for the first time, donated and campaigned in primary elections—significantly, for different candidates. This is how a diversity of good people will make their way into public office. Support from the community, in part, is what makes them good people.

After the mayoral election, I did one more thing to support good people. I contacted her opponents to express admiration for their courage in running for office, because I support good people.

KIRSTEN JOHNSTON

Bentonville