Editor, The Smithfield Times:

The politics of electing the governor of Virginia has begun. I have started to receive pledge requests from candidates I have never heard of prior to these pledge requests.

While November is a long way off, a little history for those who don’t think their vote counts: In 1920 the 19th Amendment to the constitution was finally approved after many frustrating years.  Thirty-five states had approved this amendment; one more was needed.

The vote was in the state of Tennessee and was vigorously debated within their government. It was voted on and the votes counted. It was a tie. They re-voted and one representative changed his vote from “nay” to “yea.”  The 36th state needed to pass the amendment approved it and the amendment became part of our Constitution.

I have heard over and over that a person is not voting because their vote (one vote) will not make a difference in which person is elected. Citizens, I say to you, look only to the vote in Tennessee in 1920 to prove beyond a shadow of doubt that ONE VOTE does make a difference.

The 19th Amendment gave ALL citizens the right to vote regardless of their sex. Please go vote; name-calling, derogatory statements about the candidate are NOT NEEDED. Listen to their agenda and how they will work to improve your place in life and then vote your conscience. I plan to do so.

Those who try smear campaigns and belittling their opponents is not a plan that I want to hear or will vote for. Everyone have a wonderful summer.

 

Ray Baxter

Windsor