Weeks upon weeks of tiresome campaigning, endless ads and ruthless tricks culminate today as voters hit the polls.
Today, you have the power to choose the next president of the United States — an election that only happens once every four years. Perhaps more importantly, you have the power to choose local officials. You get to vote on education reform that, for those of you staying in Idaho, could affect your children.
Sure, we all know where Idaho’s Electoral College votes are going. But who will be our state representatives? Will the Luna Laws stand, or will Idaho go another direction with its education?
We find out tonight, or possibly tomorrow morning.
But then what does America do? What do we do in January, when President Barack Obama remains or Gov. Mitt Romney takes office?
In the months leading up to the election, America has been divided. It may well turn out that half of America votes for one candidate and the other half for the other.
New York Times political columnist Nate Silver predicts a 50.6 to 48.5 percent victory for the president, with much better odds in the Electoral College.
America cannot sustain division for very long — and it shouldn’t.
Whoever gets elected tomorrow needs the support of the people. Whether or not you vote for him, or whether or not you agree with everything he does, support him.
The leader of the free world could use your good will. He has a lot on his plate.
He is not trying to destroy America, contrary to what you may have been told. He is not the anti-Christ.
He is an ordinary man who has to make decisions the average person cringes to even think about.
If you haven’t voted, drop the newspaper and do it now. If everybody thought their vote didn’t count, nothing would change. Some people would kill for the right to vote –many have. We live in a country with a lot of freedom, and that freedom ought to be exercised.
Once you cast your vote, be mindful of the fact that the outcome maybe not be what you wanted. But we are all Americans. Have some faith that your fellow man can make decent decisions regardless of his political affiliation, religion or race. And hope whoever is elected president can guide us through the years ahead.
— KC