Column: Voting matters - do it like an honor student

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Oct 31, 2024

Here’s a timely column by Michael Levy.

The election season is upon us and here are a few thoughts about it.

First, it is crucial to remember that voting is not about popularity; it is about choosing the most qualified candidate. Do not be swayed by the candidate with the catchiest slogans, the biggest crowds, the largest fan base, or the loudest presence online. Instead, ask yourself: Who has the experience, integrity, and dedication to represent my community well? Casting a meaningful vote means moving beyond the bandwagon mentality. Please choose who will truly advocate for your interests, not just the candidate everyone else knows or seems to like most.

Similarly, resist the urge to vote strictly along party lines. Blindly selecting a straight ticket can undermine your voice in areas where a different candidate from the other party may actually represent your values better. Think of it as a civic duty to research each candidate with this in mind, no matter their party affiliation. Before you head to the polls, read about the candidates on the ballot, explore their experience and track record, and get a sense of how they’ll handle real issues facing your community. Think of this extra effort as if you were preparing for a test back in your high school days. Do not be the “F” student who merely settles for a basic surface-level understanding of the issues, if even that. Aim to be an “A” student when it comes to voting by digging deeper and asking the questions needed that will help you make an informed choice.

You may have noticed an eruption of lawn signs cropping up along roadsides and intersections. While the sheer number of them might catch your eye, they do not necessarily signal genuine support. One person can easily plant dozens of signs along every intersection, making a candidate seem overwhelmingly popular. Real support is shown when people display signs in front of their homes—these personal endorsements tell you where they truly stand. If you notice a neighbor with a candidate’s sign, consider reaching out in a friendly, constructive way. A neighborly conversation can help broaden your perspective and clarify why they support their choice, creating a space to share your own thoughts as well.

When it comes to elections, it is common to see candidates running for office where the incumbent is considered unbeatable. These are sometimes labeled as “sacrificial” candidates—those who run knowing they likely will not win but do so to ensure that their political party is represented on the ballot. For example, when you vote this year, look at the ballot and see if you even recognize the names of the people running against Kirsten Gillibrand and Elise Stefanik. You get extra points on the final exam if you do, perhaps points should be deducted if you do not. While it is easy to overlook these challengers, they truly could have added value. With greater support from their national parties, their campaigns might have been better positioned to introduce different ideas and alternative solutions into the election. Everyone benefits from contested races, as they keep ideas flowing and give voters real choices.

You might have heard that “every vote counts,” yet it is easy to feel disillusioned, especially in states like New York where polls indicate a predictable outcome in national races. But do not fall for this line of thinking. Polls are not crystal balls—they can miss the nuances of how people feel or the factors that influence last-minute decisions. In a close race, every vote has the power to push your preferred candidate closer to victory.

And where votes really count is at the local level. Unlike national elections, local races can be decided by just a handful of votes. Your vote is particularly powerful in local elections, where turnout is often low, and margins can be razor thin. When apathetic voters stay home, small yet dedicated groups can easily swing the results in one direction or another. Their candidates, when they win, will make decisions that impact our schools, roads, town courts, and other essential services—and not always for the best. Every ballot, including yours, is crucial to ensure we are represented by leaders who truly reflect our community’s needs.

To reiterate the random thought for this issue. When you go to the polls this year, do not settle for being anything less than an “honor student.” Treat your vote with purpose and intention! Research, engage in conversation, and make choices that align with your values and aspirations as well as what you think will be best for everyone. Voting is not only a right, but also a responsibility—one that can shape the local community, the State of New York, and our country.

Michael Levy is a retired government manager residing in Greenwich NY and is employed now as a technical consultant. He is also a Commercial Pilot and a Ham Radio operator.