We know from the 2016 election what happens when people don’t vote. We are now living through a dystopian presidency with our American values under siege. But this November, Virginia voters have a chance to start righting the ship in statewide elections for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General and House of Delegates.
While campaigning in Virginia and New Jersey this week, former President Obama reminded us that if we don’t vote, we give away the power that our Constitution guarantees us. And while the nature (and pace) of our current political discourse can be a source of frustration and fatigue, we can’t afford to be complacent when it comes to elections.
Electing Ralph Northam as Governor is important as a balance against Virginia’s Republican held legislature. The results of the 100 races for Virginia House of Delegates also have the potential to make a significant impact. If Democratic candidates can win in open seats and in some of the 50 other districts where they are challenging incumbents, it could portend a turning of the tide in statehouses across the country, where recent Republican takeovers have resulted in terrible public policy, from school crippling tax cuts to election gerrymandering to union bashing.
Let’s support the Democratic challengers and re-elect incumbents, like delegates Kathleen Murphy in District 34 and Mark Keam in District 35, who have successful track records. We have an opportunity by way of the ballot box to fight for our values and elect officials who share them.
Vote on November 7.
Kristin Battista-Frazee
McLean