Signs of the times
Iwas introduced to electioneering at a tender age. I remember, foggy though it is, of driving down Dean St. In Brooklyn in a cavalcade of cars, honking horns and holding signs supporting a candidate for city council.
Would you believe that as a youngster I was holding a railroad flare out the car window and the glow of red in the night created a sharp memory? That was fun. So instead of avoiding politics, I was attracted to the noise and excitement of electioneering early on.
This was reinforced years later when my friends and I would earn a few dollars handing out leaflets at the polling station down the corner. We had to stand 100 feet from the entrance to the high school where people went to vote. The triangular cardboard signs marked our boundaries. “No electioneering beyond this point.” We had little idea of who was running for office or why, but we willingly handed voters leaflets just before they passed into neutral territory. It was good money for a 12 year old.
Year ago, when Jim Harmon was running for Superior Court judge in Imperial County, I took my daughter along as we stuck campaign material in doors. Start them young, and they see election season as a time of celebration between Labor Day and Halloween. It should be seen as a time of celebration of democracy. Goodness knows that in our republican form of government where we elect representatives to vote for us throughout the year, we don’t get to make many decisions. And too often, I think the elected officials don’t vote how I’d like them to.
So now is our chance to vote the bums out, re-elect those we think reflect our values, or just sit at home and watch reruns of Oprah. Sad but true, too many opt for choice three. Our registration of eligible voters is pretty good, but too many snooze on Election Day in the Valley.
In an effort to show commitment to a candidate as well as to improve turnout, my dear wife went into election sign production mode in early September. It’s pretty clear which yard is ours in central El Centro. Her hand-made signs have been joined by those of a local council candidate and friend.
One sign states, Su Voto Cuenta. Your vote counts is an important message. Those preferring to binge on TV reruns on Election Day say their vote doesn’t count. Their vote and your vote certainly do. Look by how little President Trump won the electoral vote in key Midwestern states in the 2016 presidential election. This carried him to victory. On a local level, candidate totals for school board or city council are usually separated by fewer than 100 votes.
I find it interesting that presidential campaigns frown on yard signs preferring campaign donations go toward far reaching TV ads. If you want a presidential candidate’s yard sign, you’ll have to fork over $25. On the one hand, I understand the strategy, but it overlooks the advantages of stirring local voter enthusiasm and participation. Local yard signs often spur neighborhood interest. This is certainly the case with council, school board, IID, and other local government races.
So get engaged. Democracy, as we have seen since 2016, is very fragile. It’s not to be taken for granted. You need to pay attention. It’s not difficult since there are so many sources of balanced information (not Facebook). Your political education is the price to be paid for living free in a democracy. Take some time to read about the candidates and ballot measures. Step up. Your community’s health and welfare, as well as your own, is dependent upon whom you elect to pull the levers of power. Be informed and VOTE.
For info on registering to vote: https://elections.imperialcounty.org