Democracy is defined by Merriam-Webster as “government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation, usually involving periodically held free elections.” In other words, voting is essential, the sine qua non of democracy.  Voting should therefore be encouraged, supported, and made accessible to as many people as are eligible to vote. 

Democracy is not defined by your posture when a national anthem is played at a football game; it is not defined by where your hand is during a flag-raising; it is not defined by how enthusiastically you say the pledge of allegiance.  Democracy is defined by citizens’ right to vote, which means voting is the most patriotic thing a citizen can do.

Unfortunately, many people do not vote. Presidential elections, which have the highest participation rates, seldom go above 60% of the voting age population.  Local and state elections have far lower turnouts. So what is the government doing to encourage more people to exercise this duty, which is fundamental to our way of life?

Several states, usually under Republican legislatures, made voting laws more restrictive within the last four years.  The possibilities for making voting difficult are numerous. One can make the laws more confusing, requiring more ID than students or lower-income people or non-drivers might have. Another tactic is fewer machines so the wait is longer; the Brennan Center found locations where college students or minorities vote have significantly longer lines than polling places where more older whites voters are registered.

Wisconsin, a state that historically had relatively high voter turnout, deterred approximately 17,000 residents living in only two counties from voting in the 2016 election because of the confusing nature of its new voter restriction law. Trump won the state by fewer than 23,000 votes.

Iowa’s new voter restriction law is a morass of changes and inequities. Same day registration is possible, but is becoming more difficult, and the rules will change each of the next two years.  Rather than dwell on those still-fluid changes, we advise you to register. Go to the county auditor in Nevada or the local Department of Motor Vehicle office. The deadline is October 27^th at 5 p.m.  Voting is your right; don’t let that right be eroded or reduced.