editorial
o o
The unelection
If predictions come true, the anti-climax'of
what has been the bleakest, dullest campaign
in decades will probably come tomorrow as
an unusually low number of citizens decide
the most vital races in those same decades.
Election prognosticators believe that an
extremely small percentage of those registered
will vote in Tuesday's election. This, they say,
is due to several things: a general climate of
complacency, -noncomprehension of basic
issues, confusion about candidates' positions
and, most importantly, predicted landslide
wins for incumbent officeholders. It would
seem that this year many voters have fallen
into a pattern of unconcern, which may have
led them to total political ineffectiveness.
Agreed, the democratic system is based on
the general public making vital governmental
decisions. And in our qualified republic, those
decisions consist mostly of picking the men
who represent us in government.
But in this instance, a low voting
percentage could serve the best interests of
that very government in the long run.
It is strictly conjecture, but some sources
have claimed to have noticed an extremely
high complacency percentage in one specific
cultural group, which they say could
profoundly alter the outcome of the election.
These sources claim the administration's
Silent Majority may be just those citizens who
decide to stay home and grab a beer in front
of the tube, rather than trek to the polls.
The poetic justice there would be superb.
Imagine, if you can, the Silent Majority
lulled into nonvoting by the glossy
propaganda spewed out by administration
officials. Imagine the administration tangled
in the web of its own half-truths. And imagine
its costly, if none too enerqetic, Clockwork
The Editorial
Car leftist Spaalis. . -Qui!
IF it really
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1 -mean Four More
Years1. Wow!
Campaign backfiring in the interest of
common good.
But imagine most of all the changes which
could come from such an election. Veteran
political hacks could be culled from office,
bringing some life and perhaps some
rnmnaQiinn into aovernment. Outmoded and
ineffective systems could once again be
brought into action.
And even more importantly, the individual
voter just might realize that his single ballot
just might have some impact, some meaning
on the vast political machinery he sees around
him. The effects could be staggering.
Realistically however, it is doubtful that
any such major shift will occur as a result of
this election.
Most likely, the same people will be elected
to the same offices. And Wednesday may be
an instant replay of Monday.
But in times like these, who knows?
Jim la ray
TVS
. ...... rur. ry
Pour fears...
Pour MORE 5ars . .
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'What good does my one vote do?'
Open Letter to the Students
University of Nebraska
My fellow Nebraskans,
On Nov. 7, the day of the general
election, many of you will have your
first opportunity to participate
directly in the governmental process
by casting your ballot.
Some students (fortunately a very
few) have asked me "What good does
my one vote do?" My reply is, "you
have only one vote, do you know of
anyone who has two votes?" Over the
years, dozens of county, city and
district races have been won or lost by
one or two votes. After each election,
the State Canvass Board meets and
usually the board must "flip a coin" to
decide a contest that ended in a tie
vote.
Your first election as 18 and'
19-year-old voters is important. Your
record of participation must be good.
The news media has placed a real
emphasis on reporting the "youth
vote". Unfortunately, your group has
been singled out for careful scrutiny of
voter participation.
It should be pointed out that the
"older Nebraskans" don't have a very
good record over the years. Nebraska
has approximately 1,000,000 potential
voters. There are about 750,000
registered and the average turnout at
the polls has been a meager 500,000.
guss!: opinion
Sad record indeed. I hope you'll help
establish better records.
Finally, I want to point out why
you have both the privilege and duty
of voting. Young people pay the same
rate of sales and income tax as the
"older citizens". Every purchase and
every income regardless of age is taxed
at the same rates. Your property tax
on an automobile for example is
figured on the same rates and values as
all other citizens. Herein lies your
basic right to vote and I add your duty
to vote.
I urge you to exercise your new
franchise. Please do your best to cast a
ballot on Nov. 7, the general election.
Allen J. Beerman
Secretary of State
v. I
page 4
daily nebraskan
monday, november 6, 1972
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