by Neal Lemery
Now is a good time to make sure your voice is heard, and that you are taking on a vital role in our community’s life and our civic affairs. Voting is an essential part of citizenship and being engaged in our community.
“The future of this republic is in the hands of the American voter.” – Dwight Eisenhower
“We do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.” – Thomas Jefferson
Being a registered voter allows you to have a role in who our leaders are and in being a legislator. (Yes, voters act as legislators.) Our officials are elected by us, and govern in our name. Voters can also exercise legislative powers and sign petitions to pass new laws, repeal current laws, amend the Oregon Constitution, vote on local law changes (referendums and initiative petitions) and recall elected officials. Voters can sign petitions to put local and state candidates on the ballot.
In 2026, the referendum power was successfully used to repeal a transportation tax increase, and an initiative petition to restrict hunting failed to qualify for the ballot, as not enough voters signed the petition. We don’t have initiative, referendum, or recall options in the federal system, but those options remain widely used in state and local elections.
You are able to serve on juries in local and federal court cases, if you are under age 70.
The history of the United States can be examined in terms of who is allowed to vote. In 1776, a voter needed to be male, white, 21 years or older, and a landowner. They also had to pay a poll tax on election day. Literacy codes were enforced as another means to limit who could vote. As politics and democratic ideals changed, who was enfranchised to vote expanded. Today, the issues of enfranchisement remain a subject of discussion and sometimes, passionate disagreement. Voter eligibility remains a hot political topic.
One example is allowing 18 year olds to vote. In 1971, the Vietnam War raged, and I was eligible to be drafted, but I couldn’t vote. I felt ignored, marginalized, and voiceless. I became passionate about enacting the 26th Amendment to the US Constitution, which soon was ratified, after some spirited national debate.
The operative language was simple: “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.”
I could now vote in elections. I felt listened to and involved. It was a big step in being a responsible citizen and a part of the community.
That change seemed simple, but a necessary step in expanding the franchise and giving soon-to-be soldiers a voice in the important affairs of our country. Like most political advancements, that adopted reform soon became an idea with wide acceptance. The discussions faded and 18 year olds voting became the new normal.
We give avid lip service to the rights of people to have a say in who represents us and what laws should be adopted, reformed, or repealed. We value the role of a jury of one’s peers in important court cases. We see these institutions as important checks and balances on politicians and our system of laws. Along with our free speech rights and the right to peacefully assemble and petition the government, our ability to be involved voters is a fundamental cornerstone of our democratic republic.
Elections are managed by state and local elected officials. In Oregon, elections for state officials are overseen by the elected Secretary of State, and the actual mechanics of our elections are run by elected county clerks. We vote by mail, with ballots mailed to each registered voter. For the upcoming November 3 election, ballots will be mailed to those voters who are registered by October 13. Voters can return their ballots by prepaid US Mail or by depositing their ballots in marked election boxes throughout the county. Voters also receive a voters’ pamphlet prepared by the Secretary of State, with information on candidates and ballot measures.
“Registering to vote in Oregon is quick and simple. Oregonians can register:
- “Online using My Vote.
- “By mail using a voter registration form. This form also is available in multiple languages.
- “In person at the county elections office or at certain state agencies like the DMV.
The Tillamook County Clerk’s website also has easy assess.
I do my share of political opinionating, both grumping and advocating. But, my views need to be followed up by action on my part. I study the issues and the candidates, and take my job as a voter seriously.
Citizenship is a duty and a responsibility. Theodore Hesburgh, the late president of Notre Dame University, called voting a civil sacrament. Millions of Americans made great sacrifices to ensure we have our voting rights and that we continue to strengthen and grow our republican form of government and live up to our democratic principles. Regardless of our own particular viewpoints, we should ensure everyone’s rights to be heard and to be part of our national decision making. That’s part of our job as citizens.
Books: NEW book – Recharging Ourselves, Building Community: Rural Voices for Hope and Change; Finding My Muse on Main Street, Homegrown Tomatoes, and Mentoring Boys to Men
