a cherished right

I'm not sure how many Americans think about this wonderful cherished right we have - voting.  So many parts of the world do not allow this great choice to be made by the people.  In the early US, women could not vote or run for office.

In 1948 the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and Article 21 stated: "Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives. The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures."  This does not mean that voting is widespread all over the world though.

 

In the United States, voting is a right for all adult men and women, yet do most people cast a vote?  According to the Federal Elections Commission, the answer is no.  In 2012 only 53.6% of elegible voters turned out.  The numbers are much worse in years when there is no presidential election, like this year.  Yet there are still important matters on the ballot.

When we talk here about making a difference, here is one simple way we ALL can make a difference!  Register, and then vote!