When You Vote...

When you vote, don’t be a single-issue voter. The selection of a president of the United States is far too important and complex to be made by a single measure. Instead, please consider the following. 

When you vote: 

Think of this as a hiring decision. Which candidate would you want in your organization? Which one would you trust to run your business? How do you choose a person to join your department or company? If these were the final choices, which one would you offer the job? 

Imagine your child was marrying into this person’s family. Which one would you want as a possible new in-law? Which one would best treat your child well, as they enter the new family? 

Think about those who are unfortunate and in difficult circumstances. Think about those whose lives are on the edge and in jeopardy. Which of these people will do the most to help these people? Which of these people can you trust to protect the weakest and most vulnerable among us? 

Imagine you will be this person’s boss and you will be held to account for their actions. Which candidate is likely to make you proud? Which one is more likely to embarrass or disappoint you? If you were to be blamed for this person’s actions, which one would be more likely to cause you grief, pain, or problems? 

Think about your parents as they age and the needs of our increasing older population. Which of these candidates understands the struggles and challenges of aging in America. Which one understands what it means to care for older adults? 

Think about our children and their wellbeing. There is nothing more important than the investment we make in our kids – all of our kids. Which person will set the standard and be the example we want our children to follow? Which will protect and educate them?

Think about our environment. Last year was the second warmest year on record. We had floods, earthquakes, tornados, hurricanes, wildfires, droughts, and an increasing number of natural disasters. Which of these people will work toward healing our planet? 

Consider the candidate’s morals and ethics? Which of these people do you trust more? Who behaves in a way that is more honest, forthright, and just? Who demonstrates integrity? 

Consider the idea that this person must serve everyone, even those who didn’t vote for him. Can this person do this? Could this person be everyone’s president? Can this person bring us together? 

When you vote, you are all alone and no one will know for whom you voted. You could say, &*#$ it all, I am going to vote out of anger. Or you can think about what is most critical and important to you and to all of us, and vote your heart and your head. 

Your vote is a reflection of you. What are you voting for?