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	Exercise Your Voice, Cast Your Vote
	by Dannetta Garcia
	Recognize one television advertisement or another touting the successes of someone running for a political office? Are you aware there exists a proposition to extend term limits? In these times of global uncertainty, it is likely that, locally, you, like so many Americans are out of the ever widening, political loop. So, when asked if there is an election or if you will vote, many say they just don't know. Even more unfortunate than this seemingly simple uncertainty is the alternative answer—they just don't care.
	Years ago it was difficult to understand or appreciate the complacency of eligible Americans who chose not to vote. During the Regan years, everyone looked forward to a piece of the pie; people were speaking out and desire to be heard. Further back, our countrymen looked to the heads of state as royalty, and held high expectations of what their country could do for them. It was just plain un-American, for someone not to vote.
	While social strides have been made individually over the past decade, there are still people sitting back in their homes, logged on to the internet, forgetting that there are still millions of political miles to walk before a point is reach at which we can live comfortably, in the knowledge that society is where it should be-at a point of well-being for all people and on all issues. So, as we anticipate that someone else—our city council members, or school officials will deal with the important issues for us, we decline to state our expectations of our other elected government officials. In the meantime, most don't vote.
	Herein lies the rub. While it is obviously imperative that people register to vote and actually do so, creating an awareness to get involved also lies with the political candidates. Aside from kissing babies, shaking hands, and spending millions on often less-than-accurate or honest advertising, candidates must endeavor to make objective connections with the voter. These must be solid and sincere connections and politicians must harbor the same interest in educating and properly representing the public as they do in winning the election. However, for many incumbents, and political hopefuls, this type of commitment may not be a priority. Thus, their interest in the people they represent falls short and the voters fail to show up at the polls. This failure contributes to the vicious cycle for the next year and the next election.
	We, as citizens and voters must realize our responsibility in the matters at hand. If unhappy with public policy, fight to change it—vote. If we want strides to be made economically or socially, we must stand alongside our representatives in making them. There is one thing for sure, if we do not work to gain political attention, politicians will do what is easiest—take no notice.
	Voters must demand their sovereignty, and must reclaim it for those who gave it away, demonstrating they mean to make a difference—exercising their voice—and casting their vote.
	The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not represent those of the Elk Grove Insider or any other entity.
	Editor's Note: Every Vote Counts
	OLYMPIA, Wash. Dec 30 — After three vote tallies and 58 days of waiting, Democrat Christine Gregoire was declared Washington's governor-elect. She won a statewide hand recount by 129 votes out of more than 2.8 million cast.
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