Use your superpower - vote

Election 2018

The importance of voting and making a difference in your community

From District 2 Orange County Commissioner Rod Love

Amendment XXVI, Section 1 of the United States Constitution states that: “The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age.” While this right and privilege granted to us as citizens seem so simply stated, I found that leading up to the primary elections last week many people continue to need the encouragement, related relevance and the understanding of the obligation to themselves, their family, community as well as to the country to VOTE.

The individuals whom we vote for ultimately make decisions on matters that affect us as an individual, community and or businesses. However, it is our duty as voters to trust, but verify and insert accountability as we vote for an improved quality of life. Hence, the purpose of this week’s column is to share and stress the importance of taking advantage of our right and privilege to perform a civic duty to VOTE, that is all too often unfortunately not taken as seriously as needed.

As we watch the work being done at the White House and in the Capitol in Washington, D.C, as well as at the State, County and City levels, we must understand that the effects directly impact our communities, whether it is the impact of healthcare nationally, the continued affordable housing crisis here in Central Florida or simply the improvement of our transportation infrastructure that becomes more challenging every day based on the global success of our most critical economic engine in the State of Florida, our worldwide famous theme park attractions and multiple award-winning Orange County Convention Center. In spite of the culture wars highlighted today, there are fundamental values that continue to ring true, no matter your race, ethnicity, age, gender or party affiliation.

Honor, Integrity, and Valor will never be out of style.

I am proud of the courage exhibited by the late U. S. Senator John McCain which is befitting of an American war hero who acknowledged his imperfections but fought through succumbing to doing what was “popular” to staying a course of doing what was “right”.

Your vote, as much as some may not believe it, impacts budgets and policies at the local, state, and federal levels. Each vote counts! Click here or go to this link, https://salsa.wiredforchange.com/o/5950/getLocal4.jsp?okay=true to find out who represents you at all levels of government.

In a nutshell, elected officials often times prioritize their decision making based on need, advocacy, logically accumulated information, visioning, conviction and consideration of the limited available resources. We will not always agree on everything, but remember there is always another issue, problem, or a solution that we can all agree to work together on. Thus, let us not allow one disagreement to cement a division amongst us that becomes the obstacle of future progress.

Please, VOTE! If you are not registered to vote, please click here https://www.ocfelections.com/Pre_Voter_Registration.asp. The deadline to register to vote is 29 days prior to each election. This deadline applies to new registrations and political party affiliation changes, so plan accordingly. Your registration is not complete until your signed application form is either postmarked or received by a mandated registration site, such as the Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office, a public library or Driver License Office.

I humbly request your presence in joining me in exercising the honor and privilege of being an American on November 6^th(General Election Day) or during early voting. Please join me in VOTING…

God Bless, Commissioner Rod Love.