If a Vote is Cast in the Desert Does it Make a Sound?

By Michael Cassidy,  Class 23
Senior Executive Director at Valley of the Sun YMCA

“People often say that, in a democracy, decisions are made by a majority of the people. Of course, that is not true. Decisions are made by a majority of those who make themselves heard and who vote – a very different thing.” -Walter H. Judd

Family gatherings, golf outings, weddings, speaking or training gigs, any location that serves adult beverages and on my blog – there are two subjects that are absolutely off-limits: politics and religion.  As this is a guest blog, I will brush against one of those subjects.

“I may not have had 2 cents, but I always had my vote,” my grandfather once said.  Those Depression Era kids are always good for some priceless pearls of wisdom.

In this age of technology we are deluged with information, 24/7, 365.  There is so much information that a channel exists dedicated to just “headlines” – dig deeper on your own time if you’re so inclined.  The NBA, NHL, MLB and NFL have their respective seasons, even elections have their seasons, however politics has become seasonless – they are always on.

Millions of dollars are invested in our “education” as voters.  According to a recent article in the Arizona Republic, apparently it takes significant funding to over-inform us of what is actually important to us.  Would the truly bipartisan move be to have all candidates agree to simply write a check to the state coffers and everyone is provided 10 minutes on the eve of the election?

Photo: Reuse of campaign signs to create shade structure (An Arid Zone Shade Structure Jason Griffiths, ASU)

Every election we apply our noise filters (values, background, experiences, goals, opinions, industry, profession, life stage, etc.) sift through all the rhetoric and cast our vote.  Asking someone how they voted is akin to asking what they weigh – a dangerous proposition.

Despite what the seasonless political soothsayers have proscribed, I’ve yet to see the chaos of Armageddon when the nice volunteer hands me my “I voted” sticker.

There is no such thing as an “informed vote”, there is only your vote.  It is yours to cast after doing the diligence you determine is necessary.  There is no shortage of those telling us what to do with our votes, as always we will do what we determine is right for us, our family, and our community.

One voice, one vote, be sure to use it, otherwise you will not be heard.  The only wrong vote is the one not cast.

Guest post by Mike Cassidy, a non-profit Senior Executive Director specializing in membership development, engagement and retention. His ramblings can be found at www.membershipjedi.com