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By Deborah Smith,
Hello my friend! Yep, I'm talking to you, the one who said to me, "What's the point of voting? Nothing changes." You think your vote doesn't count. Yes, I get that; it seems that way. We do live in a "red "state but there are more of us "blue"s than you think!
I have to disagree, though, THINGS DO CHANGE! They've been changing for the last several election cycles in 2 notable ways, one good, one not so much.
Good: The Democratic portion of the SC electorate, in relation to Republican, has increase every election in the past 10 years. There are actually just as many Democrats statewide in SC as there are Republicans. Why don't we win? Republicans vote in greater numbers - in EVERY election. We have the numbers that show that we could've beaten Sen. Lindsey Graham last time if our D voters had come out!
Not so much: During that same time, the National & State Republican Parties have moved further and further to the right, to the rigid, to the controlling, to government intrusion into our lives instead of government enhancement of our lives. They have steadfastly been working to put their people in government from local to national, and to pack the courts with judges who will rule "their" way.
Then, of course, Donald J. Trump came along and spread as much fear and resentment as he could among his voters. Fear is a great motivator. Those "MAGA" Republicans WILL vote.
One significant red flag indicating their success is the Supreme Court overturning the Roe v. Wade established law - A 50 year precedent.
That now means state governments can tell you what you can do with your own health and your family's health. The SC Legislature has already passed one of the most restrictive anti choice abortion bans in the US. The only thing standing between it and us is the committee haggling and then the Governor's signature or veto. Gov. McMaster LOVES this law and will sign it. Joe Cunningham is our best chance at a firewall between the right wing legislature and your rights and freedoms. They have TOLD us they are coming after all our privacy rights, as well as Medicare, social security, and veteran's benefits.
Bottom line: If you do not vote, you are voting for McMaster and the GOP to continue ensuring SC is last in everything measure of health and safety. If you don't vote, you are voting for a state schools superintendent who is unqualified for the position and does not believe in the importance of a free public education. (Lisa Ellis is our choice. Look her up!) If you don't vote, your are voting for Tim Scott, who claims to be a man of the people while doing everything he can to help the upper classes. If you don't vote, you are voting for the guy who was to the right of Tom Rice in the US 7th Congressional race.
The only way your vote won't count is if you don't use it!
If it didn't count, why would the Republicans be trying so hard to keep you from voting!? Search "voter suppression" if you don't think they are.
Don't do it for yourself. Do it for your sister, mother, daughter who will lose control of their reproductive and economic freedom. For your father, who voted his whole life for civil rights and justice. For our children who deserve to grow up in a kind and nurturing society where science is trusted and the planet is protected. For everyone who was ever denied their right to vote.