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Senior News September, 2004 Vol. 25. No. 9
Published by the Humboldt Senior Resource Center in Eureka, California. HSRC is a non-profit community-based organization offering services for senior citizens, multi-generational families and caregivers.
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Humboldt Senior Resource Center Back issues Table of Contents
Plus in this issue catch more news, opinions, features, book reviews, and event calendars.
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Voting The practice of democracy is a sacred act by Sharon McKinney By the time I could vote, I had three babies. In those days, 21 was the voting age, and I had to wait until I was 22. It was a fine, proud thing to do. I made my preferences known in our democratic system and vowed to be an informed voter for life. A few years later, I was one of those who counted votes by hand, sitting into the small hours counting ballots until the tally was correct. It was work by dedicated people. I am saddened to learn that our young people are politically apathetic. Maybe waiting until I was older helped whet my desire to be a cog in the wheel of the process. I felt not only that voting was my adult responsibility, but also my patriotic privilege. I could voice my opinion, and it counted. One part of being an informed voter is learning the issues and the impact of those issues on how I live my life. The booklet that comes in the mail just before the election is sometimes difficult to read - but it is worth the effort. I pay attention to parts like fiscal impact and what the promoters say will change from accepting it. I look to see who is backing the proposed change. This information is listed in the booklet. I hope other seniors are planning to vote. We have seen the waves of immigrants who come to our country because they want to be part of our system. We have witnessed world wars, have lived through the economic booms and the busts. We have seen administrations come and go and can predict some changes and trends based on history. We have specific needs that are affected by the government. I pay attention to how seniors are treated by the candidates and the propositions. Some programs, such as volunteer and nonprofit organization funding, are better supported by one party than the other. The deadline for registering to vote is October 18. My plan is to talk to everyone I can, encouraging each one to ask all family members to vote. I especially want to encourage younger citizens to get informed, attend coffee hours or debates. Find out what the League of Women Voters has planned. Ask someone to read through the booklet with you and exchange ideas. Find web sites from the candidates and find out if the sites are interactive. Ask your questions there. If you are not on the list now and are at least 18 years old, please join me in becoming a lifelong informed voter. Sharon McKinney has voted in her current precinct in Crescent City since 1976. Her e-mail is sjmck@earthlink.net. |
Senior News