Defend Democracy -- Register to Vote!

Are you registered to vote for the November 7 election yet? Even though the deadline has passed in a few states, there is still time in most states to register if you haven’t already.

When I went to vote in the Massachusetts primary a few weeks ago, I asked one of the poll workers how the turnout had been that day. She shrugged and said, "About 20 percent -- which is pretty good for a primary."

I thought then of the UUSC delegation that went to Guatemala a few years ago to serve as election monitors. They witnessed as Guatemalans walked for miles and stood for hours to vote in their elections. Twenty percent was pretty good? Somehow, pretty good doesn't seem good enough.

During the 2004 presidential election, UUSC President Charlie Clements said, “Voting is an expression of believing we can make a difference. It moves us one step closer to a world culture that cherishes the human rights of all. Empowering human rights through active, engaged citizenship: this is the message we must practice at home, if we hope to bring it to the world.”

So 2006 is not a presidential election year? That doesn't mean your vote isn't still very important.