In our very divided political climate, it is easy to feel disillusioned. One may feel that things are so heated and confusing it is not worth getting involved on any level, including voting.
The League of Women Voters of Bucks County would suggest you reconsider this position.
Below are some sentiments expressed by nonvoters after the 2020 election, and responses from the League of Women voters of Bucks County.
Candidates/parties do not reflect what is important to them
It is important to communicate with candidates and your current legislators regarding what you think about their actions — or lack of action — on issues of importance to you. Political candidates are not celebrities. They will work for you, the voter, and should be reminded of what you expect from them. Don’t forget about down-ballot races that are just as important for your local issues. All seats for the Pennsylvania Legislature will be on the ballot in November. State legislators can have a big impact on issues affecting our lives such as how schools are funded.
It is hard to get to the polls
It is easier than ever in PA and Bucks County to register to vote and to cast your ballot at your convenience. Online registration is available at VotesPA.com. Once registered, you can request a mail-in ballot any time before Oct. 29. Your marked ballot can be mailed or dropped off at county drop-boxes. Locations are listed at BucksCounty.gov.
Some feel uninformed about issues and candidates
Reading your local paper is a great way to be informed of local issues, including those that impact you. You can find out where candidates stand on the issues by using the League’s Vote411 voters’ guide, which will be released a few weeks before the election. There, you can learn who is running in your area, and what responses the candidates how they responded to questions posed by the LWV. The Bucks County Herald will provide a print version of this Voters Guide in mid-October. Find out what the candidates are planning to do, what solutions they offer, not just their grievances about their opponents. We need to be well informed to make good decisions when voting and to contribute to our governance. The Bucks County League of Women Voters, the Bucks County NAACP and Bucks County Community College are co-hosting an event for all candidates in Bucks County running for the State Legislature on Sept. 12 at the Newtown campus of BCCC. The topic is education in PA. Please visit www.LWVBucks.org for details.
Some feel they can’t trust the media
Being an informed and discerning citizen is becoming increasingly difficult in our digital age of mis- and disinformation. Be sure you are following credible sources.
If you see a social media post that appears to be exaggerated, crosscheck other media platforms for accuracy. Be cautious in sharing content of which you are unsure. In short, the LWV recommends that you:
• Verify before you share
• Question the content
• Share accurate information
• Report inaccuracies
• Don’t click or share bad information
• Privately ask those you know who post disinformation to remove it
Some feel they can’t change the system
Voting is an act of optimism, one that shows that your voice matters and that you can help to shape the future of our imperfect society for the better. Not voting silences your voice. Silence changes nothing. Your vote can make a difference.
Teresa Carroll is a member of the LWV of Bucks County, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to providing voter education and services and advocating for issues. It envisions a democracy where every person has the desire, the right, the knowledge and the confidence to participate.
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