Polls are open for a few more hours, “I voted” stickers are on a number of CMSU student shirts, and predictions of who will win or if Americans will even know abound. Yes, it must be Election Day, 2004.
If we miraculously have a decision for the people any time soon, we’ll go in to this Christmas with some expectation of what the New Year will bring. For Bush supporters, a Republican victory might bring comfort that America still wishes to remain as culturally conservative as is possible. For Kerry patrons, change on its way may offer hope of a more optimistic outlook on the next four years.
Election year is always one to get sociologists, political science majors, and economists salivating as various groups forming the electorate flex their muscle. The Pro-life and traditional family unit lobbies under the Christian right umbrella might be discarded relics according to progressives, but the conservative culture vote has been one Bush has fostered and pandered to all his four years. These voters will be sure to turn out, as they did in 2000, but will their numbers pale in comparison to massive get-out-the-vote efforts by Democrats? Will the pro-choice, anti-war, pro-gay rights bloc be enough to counter a strong and devoted conservative base, or will their efforts be divided and fail? Whispers of Kerry failing to energize the black vote and of Bush being hurt by Iraq and fiscal conservatives’ disappointment regarding deficits continue to serve as wildcards vexing analysts’ predictions.
We have an opportunity this year to see the desires of Americans choosing a course, and the unique position to participate in declaring our aspirations. Informed opinion and a steady conscience are the tools we bring to the ballot. Our candidates have tirelessly begged and preached, cajoled, and defended, they’ve been from backyard barbecues to crowded squares of hecklers and supporters alike, we owe them enough simply to apply these basic tools and perform our civic duty.