The Case for Voting: Yours counts
At an AARP panel discussion I moderated today in Redlands, one of the discussion points was whether your vote counts. Simple answer: Yes, but only if you let it.
In February of 2006, fewer than 23 percent of registered voters in San Bernardino bothered to cast a ballot for mayor - this despite a public outcry to end escalating gang violence. Pat Morris won with just over 10,000 votes.
That November, oft-criticized Joe Baca won a landslide re-election to his 43rd District congressional seat. Fewer than 37 percent of registered voters participated.
During the 2000 presidential race, just over 2,000 votes separated George Bush from Al Gore in Florida, giving Bush the state's 25 electoral votes and the presidency.
If you're concerned about our elected leadership - or if you simply care - the only real way to act on it is to vote. It won't count if you don't vote.