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One vote can make a difference

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. John Gordinier
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The new year is right around the corner and it is a year to make your voice heard by voting in the 2008 elections.

Some may ask, "Why should I vote? What difference can I make?"

If a person is unhappy with the way their town, city, state or government is being governed, voting can make a difference, said Major Vincent Falls, Shaw voting assistance officer.

One vote can have an impact on the outcome of an election, the major said. "There have been many significant impacts throughout history with the power of one vote," he said.

According to the Vermont Secretary of State Web site, in 1844, Freeman Clark, a farmer, was seriously ill and needed his son carry him to the polls to vote for Indiana Sen.-candidate, David Kelso. The farmer died soon after and Kelso was elected by one vote. Later that year, the Indiana Senate elected Edward Hannigan for U.S. Senate by one vote, which was cast by Kelso.

Nearly one year later, another one-vote margin made Texas the 28th state. The vote was cast by U.S. Sen. Hannigan, who was elected by the one vote of Ind. Sen. Kelso, who in turn was elected by Clark's one vote.

Maj. Falls said, "Every vote counts, just like the voter in Indiana."

The following year, the Mexican Army invaded Texas and one vote decided on war with Mexico. Consequently, the U.S. victory added five states: Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah and California.

"Voting is a civic duty," Falls said. "It's the freedom to decide who represents your ideals; it's our right as Americans and sometimes we take it for granted.

The purchase of Alaska also was determined by one vote, according to the Michigan State University Web site. History has shown how voting can impact the U.S.

"Please remember that men and women have given their lives to defend your right to vote and live free," Falls said. "Honor them by voting and honor those who fight today to make sure we can vote in the future."

Voting is based on your state and county of residence. Shaw voters should contact their unit voting assistance officers to obtain the proper forms to register to vote and the address in which to submit the form. A list of UVAOs can be obtained on the Shaw Intranet Web site.

"If you're a South Carolina resident and are a resident of a nearby county, you can register locally and vote on Election Day at your local polling place," Falls said.

The next national general election day is Nov. 4, 2008. The primaries for these elections are generally in the first few months of 2008, but are state dependent. A list of state primaries can be found on the Federal Voting Assistance Program Web site. Airmen can check state voting rules there also.

Voters should register at least 60 days prior to any election to ensure they receive their absentee ballot in time for their vote to be received and counted, Falls said.

"Get out there and vote," the major said. "Who knows, maybe your one vote will make history and make an impact to this country."