Stephen Hatfield

When I enlisted in the Army just after graduating from high school, I was mainly motivated by the prospect of being covered by the GI Bill so that I could attend college when my three years in uniform were up. But my time in the military affected me in ways I could not have imagined, helping shape my worldview as an adult.

Particularly impactful was being stationed overseas, where I was able to see firsthand both authoritarian governments as well as countries where democracy was struggling to gain a foothold in the vacuum left behind when the Iron Curtain crumbled. Looking back, I am struck by the intense desire of so many people in other countries to have a say in how they are governed.

Then I look at what is happening in the United States and am filled with dismay. In the last election, about one-third of Michigan’s eligible voters failed to cast a ballot.
That’s deeply troubling. Every time an eligible citizen fails to vote, that person is sending the message that they are comfortable being ruled without having any input. That kind of mindset is a danger to democracy.

If your reason for not voting is a belief that it is a waste of time because elections are rigged, you have fallen prey to propaganda intended to alienate you. The truth is, people and laws are in place to ensure our elections are fair and accurate.  Past results prove that.

In fact, anyone who doubts the integrity of our elections – along with anyone else interested in supporting democracy – should sign up to observe the county canvass proceedings by serving as a canvass observer. These volunteers monitor the process and witness for themselves how, in a totally transparent effort, our county Boards of Canvassers adhere to the letter of the law to certify our election results.

Then get out and vote – something you can do in person right now up to and including on Election Day, Nov. 3. Because, if you are unhappy with the direction this country is moving and want positive change, you can’t just sit on the sidelines and observe.

You must get out there and vote for the people you believe will make our state and country better.

The time to do that is right now.