Bill Shea

As someone who served in the Marines, I have grave concerns about the current administration’s use of our armed forces – not only abroad in another misbegotten war, but also here at home. It is not the role of the military to act as a domestic police force, or show up at polling places – an action the president has refused to rule out.

The oath I swore to defend the Constitution did not expire when my time in uniform ended. These days, when it comes to protecting democracy, I’m thinking the best defense is a good offense. That starts with you and me and every other eligible Michigander turning out to vote.

In that regard, we can all be foot soldiers. So, if you haven’t yet registered to vote, please do so right away.

Here’s something you can be sure of: When you do vote, people and systems are in place to make certain the outcome can be trusted. That is because local election clerks and workers carefully administer our elections to the letter of the law, ensuring every ballot cast is counted and done so accurately. They have earned our trust for good reason. They are on the front lines, ensuring election integrity.

And they can use your help. If interested, you can go here for information about how to be a volunteer to be a poll challenger or apply to be hired as a temporary poll worker.

One thing about engaging in the fight for democracy:

You don’t need to wear a uniform to do it . You just need to show up!