Don’t throw your vote away

“Representative Republic”, or if you prefer, “Representative Democracy”. That’s the best term to describe the form of government we have in the USA.

The key word here, is “representative”. We don’t get to vote on bills or make policy or sign treaties; we vote for some one to represent us, who in turn does those things. We appoint them to act or speak for us, and we do that through the voting process.

My vote says, this person represents ME. I authorize him or her to represent ME. To speak for ME.

A vote for a candidate IS, despite some persons’ rationalizations otherwise, an endorsement, an affirmation, a commendation. A statement that one approves of that person and their actions, beliefs, and values. With our vote, we sanction what they do.

Much has been said in this election cycle of “wasting votes” or “throwing away votes”. To me, the only wasted vote is a vote for the lesser of two evils, cynically affirming, endorsing, sanctioning a candidate who does not reflect your values. It is a statement that your values are meaningless, and you are content to have someone who does not share your values to speak for YOU.

I will not waste my vote in this election. I will vote for someone who represents ME.