MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- With the presidential primary elections quickly approaching, it is more important than ever to get out and vote. Many people believe that their vote does not matter, yet there have been many elections - not just on a local level - that have been decided by less than 100 votes.
So, thinking your vote does not count could not be further from the truth.
"Voting is the opportunity given to Americans, as members of a democracy, to voice their opinions and share concerns on issues regarding policy making and representation," said Capt. Eric H. Ladson, H&S Bn. adjutant and voting officer. "It's your future. Vote for it!"
In a recent poll taken by CNN, many young people admitted that they often believe that all of the candidates are the same.
"There are many ways to obtain good background information on each candidate, but it takes time and requires a little research," said Ladson. "The Internet is a great tool for military members to use in conducting research on candidates.
The Federal Government's voting Web site, www.fvap.gov, has links to states and other agencies that provide extensive information for voters."
Individual candidates and television also offer prospective voters an opportunity to formulate an educated opinion.
"Also, the candidates themselves may even provide Web sites that constituents may visit when conducting personal research," continued Ladson. "Finally, there is always the option of watching the candidates debate on national television."
Despite easily accessible information and the simplicity of actually filling out a ballot, fewer and fewer Americans are going to the polls.
In 1960, 63 percent of the American electorate voted. By 1996, that number had dropped to under 40 percent. Voters must remember that the winning president-elect may have an enormous impact on their future and the future of their children.
There are many examples of both single votes that have had a significant historical impact:
? One vote made Oliver Cromwell Lord Protector of the Commonwealth and gave him control of England.
? One vote caused Charles I to be executed.
? One vote kept Aaron Burr from becoming president.
? One vote made Texas part of the United States.
? One vote changed France from a monarchy to a republic.
? One vote elected Rutherford B. Hayes to presidency, and the man in the Electoral College who cast the vote was an Indiana representative also elected by one vote.
? One vote made Adolph Hitler head of the Nazi Party.
? One vote maintained the Selective Service System only 12 weeks before Pearl Harbor.
? One vote per precinct would have elected Richard Nixon rather than John Kennedy to the presidency in 1960.
Single votes can have an even greater impact within a state's local election.
Do you complain about the policies of your children's school? If so, ask yourself, did I vote for the members of our school board? Do I even know the members of the school board? Change starts at a grass roots level, and all change starts by electing people to implement change, whether it is a mayor or a president.
Remember, too, when you are unhappy with the condition of your town's roads or your state's tax rate, being involved, voting for and knowing your elected officials will enable you to voice your complaints to the appropriate representatives. You voted for them and they work for you.
Some other reasons cited in the CNN poll for why more people do not vote are because the polls are too crowded, voters cannot get there on time, or they do not have transportation.
Ladson explained that these issues should not be a problem for military members and their families who are interested in voting.
"A Marine interested in voting should contact his unit's Voting Assistance Officer and begin the process of either registering to vote in the next election or requesting an absentee ballot," explained Ladson.