Ready or not, the time is finally here. For what has seemed like an eternity, with several twists and turns along the way, Election Day is just five days away. No more political ads on television. No more bickering amongst ourselves. When we wake up Wednesday morning we will all be best of friends, totally satisfied with the results from the day before.

You’re right. I’m delusional. Depending on which way the vote goes, half of the country will be ecstatic. Half of the country will be ready to rumble. Pick your poison. 

While we are on the subject of poison, the United States has a population of over 385 million people. I made this comment four years ago but it still fits. Are you telling me that the two individuals we have vying for the top spot are the two best we have to offer – out of 385 million people? Seriously? I have met a lot of people at the local and state level that I would rather see in this position. They actually care about those around them. They want to make a difference. They are in it for the right reasons. Can these two honestly say the same thing?

I’ve always been fascinated with why people would subject themselves to the abuse, name-calling and heartache that comes with being a politician. Even the most beloved politicians catch a ton of grief. The skeletons in their closets may as well be in the front yard with the other Halloween decorations because a politician has no secrets. Don’t think anyone has dirt on you? Run for a public office. Enjoy going out on the town with your family? Learn to stay home.

I cover the Barton County Commissioners for the Tribune. This is local-level politics at its finest. To their credit, these five people really do seem to care about the people of Barton County. They are educated about issues most of us don’t know or know that we should care about. If they don’t know an answer, they will find it for you. They spend time away from home learning and fighting for the county. They are always in front of the people. And I guarantee you their phone rings at the most inconvenient times. 

Bev Schmeidler is the County Clerk. This is “Go-time” for her office. All eyes will be on the vote counts. I learned last week there are several safeguards in place to protect the integrity of this election.

She made a very good point when I visited with her. She told me that only 20.26% of the 16,860 voters participated in the primaries in August but she expects 50-55% for the November vote. Early voting in Barton County has already exceeded 10% of those registered. Her point was why are people not voting in the primaries? This is the vote that puts the people on the ballots. This is the vote that determines the vote. It’s important.

The United States has held presidential elections since George Washington became our first President in 1788. In 2020, the United States had over 168 million registered voters. With attrition from COVID, mass shootings and old age, let’s assume the number of voters is the same. Do I really believe my vote will matter? What if I chose not to vote and it would have mattered? You never know. It is our right to place a vote. It is not our right to disrupt a vote.

My dad told me when I turned 18 to “always make sure I was a registered voter and always vote. If I vote, I have a say. If I don’t vote, I don’t have a right to complain about the results.” Great advice. Feel free to use it yourself.

 — Keith Lippoldt