By: Mildred Robertson
September
9th marked the official beginning of the 2022 mid-term elections in the state
of North Carolina. That was the date the state began to distribute absentee ballots
to voters who requested them. While most mid-term elections have fewer
voters than presidential elections, this year may break the mold as voters
ponder issues such as voting rights, a woman’s right to choose, and an
unbalanced Supreme Court. Many voters are aware that their vote this November
may well have a lasting effect on both them and future generations.
Voters
will have to balance tabletop issues such as the soaring cost of gas and food,
as well as burdensome student debt that has blocked the upward mobility of many
young Americans. Add to that the seemingly burgeoning border crisis and a
radical right-wing political organization that threatens the violent overthrow of
the government and you have a smorgasbord of issues that voters must wade through.
All of
these issues have energized voters on both sides of the political spectrum. Voter
turnout in midterm elections has a tendency to fall in the range of 40%
compared to the estimated 60% who vote during presidential elections. But it appears
the 2022 midterm election is poised to break that trend due to a motivated electorate
on both the left and the right who are anxious to cast their ballots in 2022,
and possibly change the course of history. You must make sure that your voice
is among those who make these critical decisions.
While it may be a daunting task for some voters to sort through all of these issues, and the various candidates who promote them now is the time to get informed. There are several steps you can take to make sure you are a knowledgeable voter who can cast your ballot based on your best interests and beliefs.
You should first
check to ensure that you are currently registered in the district and precinct
in which you live. If you have moved, or have not voted recently, contact your
board of elections to verify your status. In North Carolina simply go to https://vt.ncsbe.gov/RegLkup/.
In other states, check with your local Board of Elections. Here in North
Carolina, you can also learn everything you need to know about races on the
ballot, voting dates, and deadlines, You can also learn steps you must take to
vote by mail, early vote, or vote on Election Day. (Go to: https://www.ncsbe.gov/voting/upcoming-election).
You will also be able to download a sample ballot to research the candidates
and other issues on which you will be voting.
In
North Carolina voters will decide on one U.S. Senate seat and 14 U.S. House
seats, as well as several state offices such as the Supreme Court and Court of
Appeals. You also will be making a decision on local judges and prosecutors,
sheriffs, and county commissioners.
Again,
if you do not live in North Carolina, you can get this information from your
local Board of Elections.
Our national discourse on all the ballot issues we face is both broad and heated. Many of us have taken the battle to social media. While
debating on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram may be gratifying, it will change
nothing. If you want to have an impact on the direction this country takes, YOU
MUST VOTE in the November election. Your vote is your voice. Make sure it is
heard!
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