Voting is in the air, says Vahid David Delrahim, CEO & Founder of Bliss Car Wash. We’re hearing, seeing and feeling the encouragement to vote more than I can ever remember. And, while we all may have opinions on why there’s a fervent push, for me, the importance of voting is not related to a current political situation or a specific issue. I can tell you that having the privilege, and duty, to vote should not be taken for granted; I’m an immigrant from Iran, and I know this.
Yet alas, even here, in the United States, many fought and waited for the right to vote. You’ll remember that African Americans and women faced many uphill battles until finally securing the vote. Imagine the state of things if only white men could vote in our country!
Make Yourself Heard
It is not difficult to lose faith in the power of voting. Awkward Presidential debates, constant news about interference, and stories about voter suppression efforts have caused some people to lose faith in our great democracy and feel that their vote does not count. The fact is that every election cycle we hear about races where a handful of votes decided an election. The truth is that every vote counts.
If you still doubt that your vote counts consider how close the Bush-Gore vote was 20 years ago. Bush won on the electoral college vote of 271 to 266, after frantic counting and recounting was done in the state of Florida. It was that close.
There are other close races that I won’t reiterate here, yet I urge you to remember that voting for the President is not the only race that matters in your life.
Local issues may impact you more such as legislation around surrounding parks, housing, food supplies, and more.
A recent Portland State University study found that 85 percent of eligible voters failed to vote in their mayoral, city council, and other local races. Low turnout means that important local issues are determined by a small group of voters. That makes a single vote even more powerful.
Even if you don’t feel informed and can’t make a decision for every item on your ballot, you can easily get educated on a few issues that are closest to you.
This year, California voters have several propositions to decide upon that could have significant effects on the economy. To find out more, you can check out all the races by consulting an election guide.
There’s No Time Like the Present
Starting October 5, county officials will begin sending ballots to all registered voters in California. If you’re unsure if you’re registered, you can check your voter status with the Secretary of State. If you are not registered, you can register online, or mail in an application – but both need to be done or postmarked by Oct. 19. Past that day, California residents can register and vote by visiting a polling place to complete registration.
While Voting is its Own Reward
However you do it, I urge you to vote. We live in a democracy where we get to decide our governing legislation and every person who votes gets counted. Rest assured, that’s not the case everywhere. Your local issues need your input.
And although I believe voting is its own reward, I’m offering a promotion from now until November 3, 2020:
After you vote, take a picture of yourself in your “I voted” sticker and tag us or send us a private message on Instagram or Facebook, and you’ll be entered into a sweepstakes to win one month UNLIMITED of our Transform+ w/Ceramic Seal wash.
