OP/ED: Today Is The Final Day Of Early Voting

Today is the final day of early voting, with Tuesday being election day and your last chance to cast your ballot and be heard. This has been one of the most contentious elections many of us have ever seen…

OP/ED: Today Is The Final Day Of Early Voting

Today is the final day of early voting, with Tuesday being election day and your last chance to cast your ballot and be heard. This has been one of the most contentious elections many of us have ever seen, to include the 2016 presidential election. The power grab by the two major parties is at a level that almost seems to be out of complete desperation.

Each side touting the necessity to vote them into (or back into) office in order to “save” this district, city, county, state or country from the evils of the other side. Are we all such enemies that we must make such desperate pleas? Sadly, yes, we are divided more than ever in this country and this is not something that has come about during this singular presidency as many might wish to claim.

Many conservatives felt this way for the 8 years prior but seemed more apt to be a bit lower key about it then. However, now we have neighbors battling neighbors, friendships falling apart and even families parting ways over politics. Families! How did we get to a point where families are destroyed over politics?

First, I guess I should openly qualify myself as a 40-something female conservative, not necessarily specific to the Republican party, but to my values and beliefs personally and politically. I do not vote straight party tickets because I do allow myself the ability to look beyond party politics and look for the best qualified candidate.

I have already voted, and I did vote for one individual running as a Democrat. This person’s values best align with my own and based on the job already performed I felt this person was best to remain in this particular elected position.

I do not apologize for my choice and stepping outside of the “conservative” box to cast that ballot. My ideology is simple, do your research and select the candidates that you feel will represent your interests and values the best in the position they are asking to be placed in.

This is what the electoral system was designed for – representation of the people by choosing a candidate that you want in office making choices that best reflect the ones you would make. So, I do not care one way or another what your political affiliations are or why they are what they are.

What I care most about is your vote. It is easy enough to be keyboard warriors championing a cause on social media or standing on a street corner (please stay safe and out of the roadways) with signs chanting your beliefs, but if you do not exercise your most important voice, your vote, then you have failed yourself and your cause.

Everyone can armchair quarterback or coach from the sidelines in this political game, but when you get out there and cast your ballot, you may be throwing your game winning touchdown. You can’t win if you don’t play! Now, get out there on the field and get the job done!

Angie Mensing
San Marcos, Texas