Well, it was not very busy at the polls last week. I worked at a site that had three precincts voting and the turn out was pretty slim. As usual, the highest proportions were seniors. They read the material, they talk about the issues, and they turn out to vote. Even though there were some pretty big races; District Attorney, County Supervisor, the representation is small. Even though, I’m told, each LA County Supervisor directs more money than the President of the nation!
When I was at the Conference in Napa the keynote address was about multiculturalism. Dr. Torres-Gil talked a lot about the idea that as the baby-boomers age into seniority, and the percentage of ethnic minorities increases because of birthrate differences, the people who vote are not the people that are affected by that vote. It places a heavy responsibility on the voter. If older English speaking Caucasians are the decision makers, will they make choices that benefit younger people of color? Will lawmakers realize the population they need to target with their message? It certainly appeared so with the propositions on this ballot.
It’s still a little early to focus on the election in November. But it’s not too early to start listening to the candidates. It’s not too early to do a little planning for potential decisions, like gay marriage. Since I write to older adults, I may be preaching to the choir. One thing that made me proud was a blind voter who came in and used the audio booth. She said it was the first time in 35 years she had been able to cast her vote in privacy. It wasn’t easy to get there. It wasn’t easy to do. I hope in November it’s worth taking a few minutes and making your opinion count.