Think about it. In America - the democratic nation that cherishes the individual's freedoms - only half of registered voters consistently show up on election day. In this national election year, there was only a 40 percent voter turnout for the presidential primary elections.
High school students can't just point the finger of blame at adults, either. The FHS student council elections on Sept. 11 were just as pathetic. Only 49 percent of sophomores, 54 percent of juniors, and 44 percent of seniors showed up at the polls. How can Flathead's numbers be so low when all a student has to do to vote is stroll down to the foyer, where friendly workers and private booths await?
In the 1992 presidential elections, the combined effect of poor voter turnout and three presidential candidates meant Bill Clinton, the winner, was the choice of only about 30 percent of the American people. Voters in Montana forget that each and every vote counts. By 5 or 6 o'clock on election night, the news shows have already predicted a winner. Voters wonder what the point is in them voting if the results are already known, but they forget they don't just vote on a national level. The same ballot can decide the holders of local offices and the fate of educational issues such as the proposed vocational center near FVCC.
So how can 18-year-olds register so they can have their say in the fate of their nation? Run -
don't walk - over to the county courthouse, that large, old building in the center of Main Street.
Up the stairs and to the right is the election counter. Fill out a registration form and hand it to the
nice lady at the desk. In return, receive a registered voter's card. That's all there is to it, or if the
courthouse is too much to handle, seniors can register in any FHS government class. Have this
done by Oct. 7 to participate in the coming presidential election. On election day, Nov. 5, go to
one of the polling stations on the card and cast a ballot. What could be easier? With each vote
cast, be it Democrat, Republican or Reform Party, there is the assurance the nation's elected
officials will be the voice of the majority of the American people.