Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody: A Lesson for Voters

Here’s a familiar story that is appropriate for a time such as this.

An important job needed to be done. Everybody was certain that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did. Somebody became upset because it was Everybody's responsibility. Everybody assumed Anybody would step up, but Nobody realized that Everybody was planning to stay home. In the end, Everybody blamed Somebody because Nobody did what Anybody could have done.

Funny story, isn't it?

The problem is that every election season, that story stops being a joke and starts looking a lot like us.

When election day arrives, many citizens assume somebody else will handle the responsibility. Somebody else will vote. Somebody else will protect the community's interests. Somebody else will choose the mayor, the council member, the school board representative, or the candidate who will make decisions affecting our families.

We tell ourselves our one vote won't matter. We convince ourselves that the outcome is already decided. We assume anybody can do what needs to be done. Then we wake up the next morning disappointed, frustrated, and asking how things turned out the way they did.

The answer is simple. Nobody showed up.

Democracy is one of the few systems where complaining after the fact is easy, but participating beforehand requires effort. It requires getting out of bed. It requires standing in line. It requires doing a little homework and learning about the candidates and issues. It requires showing up when it would be easier to stay home.

The truth is that many elections are decided by surprisingly small margins. A handful of votes has changed the course of city councils, school boards, state legislatures, and even national elections. History reminds us that one vote may not always decide an election, but one vote joined by thousands of others certainly can.

As people of faith, we often pray for change. We pray for safer neighborhoods, better schools, stronger leadership, economic opportunity, and justice. There is nothing wrong with prayer. In fact, prayer is essential. But prayer should never become an excuse for inaction.

God often answers prayers by giving us opportunities to participate in the solution. When we fail to vote, we surrender one of the most powerful tools available to us. We give away our voice and then wonder why nobody is listening.

This election season don't be Everybody expecting Somebody to do the work. Don't assume Anybody will handle it. And whatever you do, don't become Nobody. Instead, be the citizen who shows up. Be the neighbor who encourages others to vote. Be the parent who teaches the next generation that freedom comes with responsibility. Be the person who understands that voting is not merely a right—it is a stewardship.

Because when the polls close and the results are announced, the future will belong to those who participated, not those who intended to. Remember the lesson from the story. The job is too important to leave to Everybody. The responsibility belongs to each of us. And when election day arrives, make sure Nobody is not you.