Our view: Vote anyway!

So, you say you’re sick to death of this endless, acrimonious political season and you might throw something at the flat screen if you have to endure one more campaign commercial? We understand. It’s almost over. All you have to do is vote.

But you aren’t crazy about any of the candidates for the presidency? Or you don’t think your candidate stands a chance? Got it. Vote anyway.

Or the one you liked best was defeated in the primaries? Or you’ve become disillusioned and lost faith in the system? Sorry, we’re not buying those excuses. Vote anyway.

Here in York County there’s a lot more on the ballot than the candidates for president. Voters will also be asked to elect a US Senator, member of the US House of Representatives, a State Senator, Solicitor, Sheriff, Clerk of the Court, Coroner, County Council Member, Soil & Water District Commissioner, and School Trustees.

There are two referendums on the ballot as well – about changing the terms of County Council Members from two to four years, and creating a special tax district for parks and recreation.

Yes, it’s been a long and often brutal campaign season. But our democratic system was not intended to create a utopia, free of discord and disorder. Our founding fathers themselves were no pantheon of gods as we sometimes want to regard them, but just as flawed as the rest of us.

They wrangled and argued over the best way to design our fledgling democracy. Those among them who ran for president often waged their own mean and contentious campaigns, even against each other! In the 1800 campaign for president, Thomas Jefferson implied that John Adams was a hermaphrodite, and Adams’ people replied by insulting Jefferson’s heritage.

That doesn’t take anything away from the messy masterpiece they created. Our democracy is a beautifully imperfect work of art, subject to foibles and failings, but still the enduring inspiration of the free world and something in which we can all take breathless pride.

The voice of the people is the cornerstone of that democracy. It’s a sacred chorus, expressed in repeating rounds that reverberate throughout the land each election day.

We hope you sing along on November 8. Let your voice be heard!

This story was originally published November 4, 2016 at 3:28 PM with the headline "Our view: Vote anyway!."