Your right to vote – it does make a difference

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Eddy Cortez
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  On Tuesday, Nov. 6, polling centers across the country will be busy assisting the millions of U.S. citizens projected to vote in the 57th quadrennial presidential election. Will you be at the polls? Will you even vote?

According to the U.S Census Bureau, 63.6 percent of American citizens participated in the 2008 presidential election, a significant voter turnout to some.

Is that figure really significant though?

According to Iraqi officials cited by the Los Angeles Times, 62 percent of Iraqis participated in their 2010 parliamentary election. They faced the real threat of being attacked, and ultimately, 38 were killed and 98 others were wounded by explosions in Baghdad on election day alone.

Makes you want to reevaluate how strong U.S. voter turnout really was in 2008.

The freedom to vote is one no American should take for granted. Those of us who serve in the military are directly affected by the decisions made by elected officials. I strongly urge you to take the time to register and vote in the November election.

For military members serving away from home, the time to register and request an absentee ballot is now. It will take time for your ballot to arrive in the mail. With the election only a couple of weeks away, the sooner you register to vote and request a ballot, the better.

To register and request a ballot, visit www.fvap.gov, or contact George Peoples, the installation voting assistance officer at 213-6650.

While you wait for your ballot in the mail, research the important decision you will make. The presidential debates offer a unique opportunity to hear both candidates. This past Wednesday marked the first debate between President Barack Obama and the Republican presidential candidate, Mitt Romney.

Two other presidential debates are scheduled for Oct. 16 and 22. A debate between Vice President Joe Biden and the Republican vice-presidential candidate, Paul Ryan, is scheduled for Oct. 11.

Take advantage of your constitutional right to vote. It will make a difference.