Get Out and Vote – But Do Your Homework First
Election Day is nearly here! After months of politicking and billions of dollars spent on advertising, canvassing and other campaign activities nationwide, millions of Americans will go to the polls tomorrow to participate in our representative republic.
More than 70 million Americans have already voted – about 44% of the total turnout of the 2020 election. Around 150 million voters are expected to participate in this year’s general election.
At the Daily Citizen, we encourage all citizens to participate in our elections and make their voices heard through the right to vote.
However, we also encourage our readers to add an additional step to the voting process – make sure you are an informed and well-educated voter.
Learn American Politics and History
There are many Americans – including millions of voters – who know very little about our shared political history and government.
In fact, only one in three Americans (36%) can pass a multiple-choice test consisting of items taken from the U.S. Citizenship Test – even with a passing score of just 60% – according to the Institute for Citizens & Scholars.
“Only 13 percent of those surveyed knew when the U.S. Constitution was ratified,” the survey found.
“More than half of respondents (60 percent) didn’t know which countries the United States fought in World War II. And despite the recent media spotlight on the U.S. Supreme Court, 57 percent of those surveyed did not know how many Justices actually serve on the nation’s highest court.”
The survey also found that:
- Seventy-two percent of respondents either incorrectly identified or were unsure of which states were part of the 13 original states;
- Only 24 percent could correctly identify one thing Benjamin Franklin was famous for, with 37 percent believing he invented the lightbulb;
- Only 24 percent knew the correct answer as to why the colonists fought the British;
- Twelve percent incorrectly thought WWII General Dwight Eisenhower led troops in the Civil War; 6 percent thought he was a Vietnam War general; and
- While most knew the cause of the Cold War, 2 percent said climate change.
Becoming an informed voter is just as important as voting itself.
In his Farewell Address, President George Washington wrote about the importance of having an “enlightened” public opinion:
Every person can have an opinion; but having an educated and informed opinion is what counts.
The same is true for voting, by which we express our opinion on how we think our government should be run. Every person can vote. Being and educated and informed voter matters just as much.
Know Before You Vote
Before you head to the polls, make sure you know what you’ll be voting on. Voters in three states are considering whether to remove the definition of marriage from their state constitutions; voters in 10 states are determining whether to codify the right to abortion in their state constitutions.
Other important measures – the legalization of recreational marijuana, extra funding for police officers, the right to school choice and more – may be on your ballot. Be sure to research what questions will be on your ballot before you go to the polls, so you’ll be prepared when you head into the voting booth.
Please get out and vote on or before November 5. Most polls close at 7 p.m. local time.
Also, please consider the free educational resources available below. And if you’re not registered to vote, you may still be able to register today.
Related articles and resources:
Christians, the Election is in Your Hands. It’s Time to Vote!
Join the Nationwide Prayer Call for the 2024 Election
Understanding the Importance of Voting
Join the ‘Great American Prayer’ Event Ahead of November’s Election
Christians, Consider These Eight Key Issues When Voting Your Values This November
Christians Have a Responsibility and Privilege to Get Engaged in Politics
Dear Christians, ‘Politics’ Is Not a Dirty Word
Are You Registered To Vote? If Not, Today is the Day to Do It.
5 Ways to Discuss Politics With Your Family
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Zachary Mettler is a writer/analyst for the Daily Citizen at Focus on the Family. In his role, he writes about current political issues, U.S. history, political philosophy, and culture. Mettler earned his Bachelor’s degree from William Jessup University and is an alumnus of the Young Leaders Program at The Heritage Foundation. In addition to the Daily Citizen, his written pieces have appeared in the Daily Wire, the Washington Times, the Washington Examiner, Newsweek, Townhall, the Daily Signal, the Christian Post, Charisma News and other outlets.
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