The Power of the Vote

by Bill Roberge

The power of the vote. This is one of the freedoms that make this such a great place to live. As a member of ABATE, you should understand the meaning of privilege and responsibility more than the average citizen of this county. As Membership Director, part of my duties are to oversee the election along with the election committee. I am very disappointed to report that very few of our members bother to vote. One excuse I hear over and over again is I don’t know the people that are running for office. If you look in the newsletter you will see that all the people running for office submit their profile with information of who they are and what they hope to accomplish as an officer of ABATE. You can also aske another member what they think. I have never met an ABATE member that wasn’t happy to “share” their opinion with you. Also remember that just because there is a position open, you don’t have to vote for the person listed. For example, there are 9 BOD spots open, but you don’t have to vote for all nine if you don’t know who these people are or how they would vote to represent you.

Ballots are printed in this newsletter and must be mailed to the ABATE P.O. Box listed by October 1^st. That means you still have time to vote and have a say in who runs this organization or who doesn’t. You can also vote in person at the State Meeting in October. Please don’t forget to put your name and zip code on the ballot. Your name should be the same as on your membership card. Nicknames are cool but may get your ballot tossed out and that’s the last thing we want to happen.

I hope to see many of you at the state meeting. And please don’t forget to vote.

Bill