The Voter*
A week from today is the Minnesota Precinct Caucus; a week beyond is “Super Tuesday” in many U.S. States.
While details from state to state vary, each state has a process by which citizens input on candidates and issues that their elected representatives will encounter during their term of office. For Minnesota and my community, the essential information is here. Scroll down to the indicated links.
In my view, in our democracy, which thus far has endured the entire history of the United States, there are two essential bookends:
- Eligible voters can cast a secret ballot for the candidates for office in their area.
- At the end of the process, a judiciary interprets the laws which have been enacted: “The Rule of Law”.
In between and indeed within the bookends themselves there are endless possibilities for decisions that distress the very essence of a democratic republic, which is what we are. The citizens and the courts are the essential gatekeepers.
The individual voter is the one ultimately accountable for the outcomes. None of us need to do it all; but all of us need to do our part.
Get involved.
POSTNOTE: I saved a useful editorial from the Minneapolis Star Tribune on Dec. 31 on the topic of Citizen engagement. I think it is worth a read.: Citizen Engagement StarTrib Dec 31 2023
Personal Opinion: * – “Voting” is much, much more than casting a single ballot one time every four years….
COMMENTS:
from Brian: Great Stuff, Dick!
from Larry, in turn from Garrison Keillor: here.
I agree with your “Bookends” theory of democracy. However, the second, judicial review, depends on the citizenry having faith in the integrity of the courts. The current Supreme Court has an approval rating of 41% vs. a disapproval rating of 58%.* This is down from an all-time high approval rating of 61% in 2009. That same year the Court registered a disapproval rating of 28%. I suppose that this is a result of the Supreme Court being viewed as overly political and/or its rulings being unpopular with majority opinion. The Dobbs case is just one example. Some would see the solution being that the people need to elect politicians who would appoint “better” justices. But, when your side loses the election, the idea of justice being just another example of politics gains further traction.
*https://news.gallup.com/poll/511820/views-supreme-court-remain-near-record-lows.aspx