The Stakes for the Primary

It has already started. The excuses for why people will not go to the polls for the Primary and the potential runoffs. It is too early or it is too late in the summer. The runoff, if needed, comes the day before the anniversary of the attacks on September 11, so that is an excuse, too. The truth is that any excuse will due if you do not want to vote. What will get you to the polls for the Primary, Run-off or General Election?

It is simple, there are two things that will get you to the polls and the responsibility falls on your shoulders. The first is an issue. Maybe it is a couple of issues. "Politicos" follow every issue and make up about five percent of the electorate. They are the movers and the shakers and follow everything. For the rest of the world, you have to find and issue. When I talked to my 18 year-old son about why he should vote, I pointed out that he just began a job and had he taken a look at the taxes that were taken out of his check. I asked him if he had figured out how much more money he would have without "that FICA guy" getting all of his money. I also asked him about the Draft and whether he knew what the stands were of the candidates for Congress on the reinstitution of the Draft. I helped him find a couple of issues that he cared about to show him why he should vote. If you are reading this column, you are probably a "politico," so find someone who does not vote and get them to the polls.

The other thing that will get you to the polls is a candidate. Read about the candidates and find one that you like and go to work for the candidate. There is nothing more fun, interesting or motivating in the political process than to work for a campaign. There is a task for everyone. From mailings, to phone calls, to fund raising there is something for everyone in a political campaign.

The best way we can honor those who gave there lives on September 11 and in the War on Terror is to get to the polls and vote. Whether you are liberal or conservative, man or woman, young or old, pro-growth or no-growth get to the polls and vote. Let us be sure that this vote represents the people of this are. Get educated on issues or a candidate and then get to the polls first on August 20, then the Run-off and then the General Election-and be sure to take someone with you.

So take the plunge because the stakes are high. Our Republic is under attack and we must get out to vote. Once you do, make it a habit for every election.

Let me know what you think about this and other opinions posted here. Join me each weekday for The Martha Zoller Show and weekly on Fox5Atlanta's The Georgia Gang and The Brenau News Forum. You may contact me at [email protected].