Vote. A formal expression of preference for a candidate for office or for a proposed resolution of an issue; making your preference known; to express a choice or an opinion; to bring into existence or make available.

It is the season for making decisions about the future of your local community, how it is governed, managed, and nurtured for growth, prosperity and quality of living. Many people are unaware of this. Others may see signs for candidates that are running, or get their flyers in the mail. But sadly, it seems that the majority of people don’t bother educating themselves on just what makes their community thrive or dive. This would include getting to know (or at least doing a little research on) local citizens, business owners and community servants who are willing to step up and make a difference for the rest of us.

“We do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.” — Thomas Jefferson

It is quite possible many who don’t participate don’t even know when elections are being held. Some are apathetic, thinking their vote won’t make a difference. If you don’t think your vote would make a difference, then what do you think would? Neglect, avoidance, abstaining? A silent protest or disengagement is essentially surrendering to whatever happens. There is a huge responsibility that comes with this kind of action. You are part of your community just by existing in it. You add to the waste, the wear and tear on roads, the population, the traffic, the taxes paid, the need for police, firefighters, health care and entertainment.

If you don’t vote for the people who end up making the decisions about what goes into your community, you are allowing a very few people to make choices for the masses. It is important that your thoughts are known and heard. They help shape everything that affects where you live.

“Talk is cheap, voting is free; take it to the polls.” — Nanette L. Avery

It’s obvious that not everyone agrees on everything. It is important, however, to listen to each other and try to understand why people think the way they do. Opinions can change over time based on experiences, new information and needs. Learning to assess what is most important in the moment should determine what you choose to do or support. To do nothing, however, makes you vulnerable to what someone else thinks is more important. That may not always align with what you value.

“The first duty of a man is to think for himself.” — Jose Marti

I remember attending a city council meeting many years ago after moving to Murfreesboro. I wasn’t very knowledgeable about how things worked, but I wanted to be more informed. After the meeting, I seriously considered running for county commissioner of my district. Why? Because the things I heard from a few people seemed like they hadn’t thought anything through. To me it was about dissecting the details presented and putting them in a logical order.

I was alarmed at the lack of preparedness and reasoning by some. But it was fascinating to watch the exchange of viewpoints. I could see how important it is to have leaders who are knowledgeable, compassionate and able to reason and distinguish the facts. There was definitely a mix of qualities represented, and I was thankful there were enough who saw what would be best for our community, with respect to the specific issues being addressed at that time. I also saw the importance of getting to know these leaders, at least a little bit, in order to decide who could represent what I considered important.

“There are extraordinary possibilities in ordinary people.” — Unknown

It is good to remember the sacrifices that normal ordinary people make to hold a position that most won’t get out of their comfort zones to step into or even support. They have to listen to the agreeable and the critical while still trying to make the best possible decisions with the information they have at the time. It all starts locally, then expands all the way to a national level of representation. So, it isn’t just about voting for the president of the United States. The president doesn’t make decisions for our local community. It is about selecting our local mayor, city council, county commissioners, sheriff, school board, governor, state senators and representatives, judges and on up to U.S. senators and representatives.

“Bad officials are elected by good citizens who don’t vote.” — George Jean Nathan

As a small business owner I have hired, fired, trained and mentored dozens of people over the years. What I’ve witnessed has been a combination of those who spoke their mind (even when inappropriate), those who gossiped or just complained behind the scenes, and those who came to me directly to express their concerns. In orientation I always say I have an open-door policy. If you have a question about something, ask. Bring it to the person who can actually do something about it. If you simply mutter under your breath or keep it inside, you will never get clarity, let alone a change. I may not give you the answer you want to hear, but I will always be honest and listen to your concerns.

That is designed to breed mutual respect. Unfortunately, I have seen more people than not simply run away from a problem rather than face it or try to understand the reason behind a difference of opinion. The point is, you have to be involved, one way or another, to effect change. Let your position be known. Nothing can change if you don’t express your concerns and point of view. And please—GO VOTE.

“If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.” — Rush