10-4 Magazine July 2024

The Veteran’s View: By Dennis Mitchell Seems like just last week we were fighting cold snowstorms and chasing tornadoes across the wide open prairie. Here it is already July, and summer is full-on, with trips to the lake, family vacations, and of course the fireworks celebrations we all look forward to. As with every year I try to tie the July article to our patriotic readers, the memory of those who have passed, and those who are still fighting for liberty. This is an election year, filled with candidates from across the entire nation sounding the alarm for their cause. I mentioned a few months ago there is a time to listen and a time to act. Now is the time to listen and hear the promises offered by those asking for our vote. There needs to be more to this process than just a popularity contest – they need to have solid ideas and a road map to accomplish their ends. One of the fundamental aspects of being American is our right to vote and the selection of our representatives (not leaders). Do not forget that America is a constitutional republic, not a democracy. We are governed by the laws set forth in the most sacred document ever written by our founders – the Constitution. Ben Franklin said, after exiting the first Continental Congress, when asked by a bystander, “What have you done?” His response is essential to the continued freedoms offered by this great nation: “We have given you, the people, a Constitutional Republic, if you’re strong enough to keep it.” The action of voting is only part of that process. In the last couple elections there has been controversy as to the legality of the process. If you, the voter, have questions or are worried, there may be problems with the process in the future. Now is the time to act and get involved in the process of how the vote works and who does the oversight. This is the time to make the Founding Fathers proud. There are poll workers and poll watchers – one group processes ballots, registers eligible voters, and handles the administrative action at the individual polling places, while the other group only has the ability to observe the process of counting ballots after the election has taken place (the poll watchers). To my understanding it takes just one day to be trained as a poll worker and it is a paid position in most cases. These requirements are subject to local jurisdictions and all political parties are encouraged to help. The constitution sets forth the rules for elections and they are reserved to the state. The time, place, and nature are the sole property of state governments. Therefore, each state could have different requirements for when and how to register. If you’re not sure if you are already registered, do a quick search and see when your deadline expires. None of us can complain about our governing body when we disagree with them if we did not take the time to get involved or to cast our ballot. Every one of us leads a busy life, and most will not seek public office. However, all of us have the time to follow the process of campaigning for the offices of our representative government. When the time to cast your vote (November 5, 2024) for the next national election arrives, it is on you to stop, look, and cast your vote! Each of us must search out our voting place and follow the rules of our local jurisdiction. Some states have a 90-day deadline for registration. That time is drawing near. If you are living in one of those areas, call your local city offices and find out the process. The old excuse of “I’m on the road and can’t get home to vote” no longer applies. All states make exceptions for out of state workers and allow for absentee ballots or vote by mail where applicable. Please remember why we celibrate the 4th of July (Independence Day) and the price paid by our forefathers who gave us the opportunity to be a free nation. And remember – the United States of America is a constitutional republic, not a democracy! Don’t let anyone tell you differently. Our most sacred document, the Constitution, starts with “We The People” not “We The Governed!” On the 4th of July we will dress up in red, white, and blue and march down Main Street in every town across this land in remembrance and recognition of those who have gone before us. There will be fancy speeches given by small town mayors, and some of the local sons and daughters will be 54 10-4 Magazine / July 2024 TOOLS FOR FOOLS!