EDITOR:
Please convey to Chris Kamler how much I appreciated his article regarding mentoring his 18-year-old to vote. Several articles have been written regarding how important it is to take first time voters to the polls, so they learn it’s not a difficult experience. First time voters with family support tend to be voters for life. It’s a fine habit to cultivate.
I made copies of my ballot so others who will be voting Tuesday had a chance to review and understand just what they are voting for. They had the opportunity to research the six judges up for renewal, they all realized the ballot was so much more than just a National election. I remember earlier elections where the ballot was printed front and back on over legal size paper. People had to sit at crowded tables to go through all the federal, state and local candidates, plus state add-ons regarding taxes and legal modifications. I remember flipping back and forth through big binders with the names of eligible precinct voters, almost 3,000 in ours. The turnout was much less, but it seems with good parenting, as Kamler is providing, civic duty is being exercised and is alive and getting better every day.
We will never get back to the “normal” of 2019, many of the changes to online participation will remain. We’ve been jettisoned into the 21st century, whether we wanted it or not. I’m still not good with on-line reservations to get seating in a restaurant. Wearing a mask has been a challenge, and more times than I care to admit, I had to go back to the car to get it before entering a store. I may not be a typical “compliant” person, however, I do respect the science which created cures for polio, small pox, HIV and related diseases.
Kudos, Mr. Kamler, this election will be lauded as one of the most epic occurrences of the 21st century. As almost everybody remembers where they were when President John Kennedy was assassinated and later the attack on the World Trade center, this election will be talked about for the next 7-8 decades. Everybody will remember who they voted for in their first election, including your son. Even though you son wasn’t born that year!
–Carol A. Clopton
Kansas City in
Platte County