View from a Pew: We Still Don’t Get It

As the next election looms near, I find myself vexed—deeply troubled—by the apathy that still runs rampant in our community. With everything happening nationally, statewide, and right here at home to suppress our vote, it seems we still don’t get it.

I’ve heard every excuse in the book.
“ Neither of the parties are any good.”
“My vote won’t make a difference.”
“I don’t want men telling me what I can and can’t do with my body.”
“Voting ain’t never made a difference.”
“I don’t like any of the candidates”

Sound familiar? I’ve heard them all—sometimes from the same mouths that will line up for hours to get the latest iPhone or stand in the rain for concert tickets. But when it comes to standing up for their future, their children’s future, their community’s voice—they suddenly don’t have the time or the energy.

Let me remind you: apathy is the enemy of progress. Every law that affects your rent, your paycheck, your child’s education, your healthcare, your safety—those decisions are made by people who were elected. And when you choose not to show up, you’re not protesting the system—you’re surrendering your power to it.

There was a time when our ancestors were beaten, bitten by dogs, and bombed just for demanding the right to vote. Some never lived to cast their first ballot. And now, generations later, we treat Election Day like it’s optional—as if their sacrifices were merely symbolic.

The truth is, voting doesn’t fix everything. But it fixes something. It’s not the only tool we have—but it’s the one too many of us leave sitting on the table. You can’t complain about decisions being made in rooms you refused to enter.

I’m not asking you to fall in love with a candidate. I’m asking you to fall in love with your community enough to protect it. Because silence at the ballot box is consent—and history has shown us that when we don’t speak, others will gladly speak for us.

So as the next election approaches, I’ll say it plain: if you don’t vote, don’t complain.