I don’t wear the “I voted” stickers poll volunteers gleefully offer people who turn in their completed ballots. When I tell them “No, thank you” they look as if I have insulted their mothers while refusing an ice cream cone covered in rainbow sprinkles brought to me by a puppy dressed as a cowboy.
I am not ashamed or embarrassed by engaging in the democratic process—if someone wants to know if I voted and for whom did I vote I will tell them—but I am legally, mentally and perhaps even emotionally a grown man. I do not need outside validation and the equivalent of a gold star to make me feel good about voting.
I recognize voting is a right, a privilege afforded many—but not all— adults living in this country. But it is not an event in which I feel compelled to let the world know I did my part in shaping this country. After all, I don’t wear stickers that proclaim “I paid my taxes!” an activity that may be just as important guiding the course of this country.
Nor is it an event that should be considered an obligation. I cringe when I hear proclamations stating “Vote, or you can’t complain.”
Sure I can. And yes I will.
I complained about Sarah Palin, yet I, like many others, could not vote in Alaska when she was running the state and was a subsequent vice presidential candidate.
I complained about Hillary Clinton in her time as a New York senator. I complain about Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio and the belligerent way he runs the department in that desert town. And the junior Duncan Hunter in East County, the congressman who took over the job from his dad, is the object of many a mocking eye roll and derisive comment as has been State Senator Ben Hueso, Chula Vista council members Pamela Bensoussan and John McCann and mayor Mary Casillas Salas and former mayor Cheryl Cox.
I have probably complained about all of the members of the Chula Vista City Council at one point or another, though I do not live in their city.
But I recognize that while they may not represent my interests they do stand for the values of their constituency. The people who voted for John McCann in the last city council election where he won by two votes are probably glad I do not live in Chula Vista, where I would have voted against him. And that’s understandable. Most people do not want others to stand in the way of their interests.
So while I want everyone to have the right to vote, I won’t actively exhort them to get to the polls if their interests clash with mine. Who would?
So, Trump supporters do what you want come election day. Get to the polls or spend some extra time with your kids instead. It’s up to you. And remember, if you do vote, your candidate while in Florida said he needs you to get out and vote Nov. 28. And don’t forget the “I voted”sticker. You can have mine
