I don't think I have ever been this persistent (some would say "over the top") about getting out and voting today. I will use every means I can ... blogging, Twitter, Facebook, face to face, from the stage last Sunday, etc., etc., etc. - to remind people and remind people and remind people to GO VOTE.
Let me get on a soapbox for a few minutes and explain a few reasons why?
- Local elections like this tend to see the lowest turnout. One vote CAN completely shift the results! I remember a mayor race right here in Shakopee that was decided by one vote ... ONE vote!! If there is an election where your vote counts - it is today's election. Go vote!!
- I am tired of people - unfortunately many who call themselves Christians - criticizing and complaining about our elected leaders. Not only does it divide our community. Not only does it model to our children that criticism is okay. Not only does it prove our selfishness and pride (I criticize because I think I know more and I have a better way). But it is a direct violation of what the Bible says! The democratic process - including its weaknesses - is the process in this community that God will use to bring into leadership those men and women He has sovereignly chosen. And He will use your vote TODAY to carry out His sovereign will. Go vote!!
- This is one election where Christians in this community really can have a major effect on who leads with what priorities. Again...getting back to the low turnout factor... I am convinced that if every follower of Christ in this community were to get out and vote - there would be a HUGE ... no wait, let me restate that ... there would be a MASSIVE shift toward a better stronger community. Go vote!!
- I often hear the day after a local election (and sadly, as persistent as I am - it will happen again tomorrow)... "I forgot." You "forgot"? The home you live in. The roads you drive on. The garbage that's picked up from your curb. The snow that's plowed in winter. The education your kids are getting. The response and quality of fire protection of your home and family. The response and quality of police protection of your home and family. All of that is dramatically affected by those who are voted into leadership.... and you "forgot"? Forgetting to vote is pretty much telling your family, your neighborhood, and your community ... "It's really not a priority to me." (But suddenly it becomes a priority to you when your taxes go up or teachers are laid off and THEN you want to have a voice.) Go vote!!
So...as I step off my soapbox, let me just make sure you hear what I'm saying ... Go vote!!
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