Voting: Right, Privilege or Duty?

Readers have probably noticed that I strongly support the right of every citizen to vote.

It's not hard to take this position, since it is the law of the land - both Federal and State law protect this right.

Administering the right isn't necessarily simple in a country whose records are maintained in fifty different states in at least fifty different ways, as well as in thousands of counties and municipalities.

I believe that voting is not just a right - it is a civic duty.

In some European democracies, voting is a legal obligation. Even for deployed military servicemen. Once when I was serving on a NATO staff during an international military exercise, the Italian military withdrew their contingent and flew them home to vote in a national election.

Our history as a republic began with very restricted voting rights. Over the past two centuries, we have made great strides in expanding the electorate. You may find it interesting to review the progress we have made here.

We have an election coming up. In addition to a North Carolina seat in the US Senate and a seat in the US House of Representatives, seats are at stake for County Commissioners, Judges, and the County Board of Education. In fact, the May 4 election, which is a primary election for most seats, is the ONLY election for the Board of Education.

Please vote.