Opinion: Voting on Nov. 5 is essential in fighting MAGA Republican agenda, extremism
In just a few months, we'll once again hold the reins of democracy in our hands. Nov. 5, 2024 isn't just another Election Day, it's a crucial moment for our nation's future. As we gear up to go to the polls, it's vital to recognize the significance of every vote for every office. As the chair of the Buncombe County Democratic Party, I appeal to everyone to participate in this year’s election and to vote wisely by becoming informed about all races on this year’s ballot.
Why does it matter so much? Because our democracy is more than just a system of governance; it's a promise to future generations. When we vote, we honor that promise. We ensure that the voices of our communities are heard loud and clear, guiding the course of our nation. It matters now more than ever, as we remember Republican actions (and inactions) on Jan. 6, 2021, and their continuing efforts to dismantle our democracy. Recently former President Donald Trump warned “it’s going to be a bloodbath for the country” if he doesn’t win in November. During that same speech, he also asked his supporters to stand in honor of those “patriots” jailed for the Jan. 6 insurrection. Such actions would have seemed unimaginable until recent history showed us just how quickly extremists can rise to control media and messaging.
Other ways our democratic traditions are being challenged is by attempts to hide true agendas. For example, a number of local Republican candidates have re-registered as “Unaffiliated” — perhaps because they know Buncombe County voters are increasingly turned off by Republicans advocating extreme positions. Learning about candidates will help you make choices based on your beliefs and goals, rather than talking points and sound bites designed to hide the true elephant in the room.
Being a responsible voter is not just about ticking a few of the boxes on a ballot. It's about actively participating in shaping the world we want to live in and to leave behind for future generations. From the local school board to the highest office in the land, each elected position holds the power to impact our daily lives and the trajectory of our society. All too often, people show up at the polls to vote for president and maybe a senator or governor but then they leave the remainder of their ballot options blank. By not voting for every office on our ballot, we risk leaving critical decisions in the hands of a few, neglecting the diverse needs of our communities. From education and health care to environmental policies and social justice reforms, every officeholder plays a role in shaping policies that affect us all.
Furthermore, our votes are not just expressions of our individual preferences; they're acts of solidarity with those who have historically been threatened, marginalized or silenced. While Democrats and many of our unaffiliated voters actively confront racism, the Republican MAGA movement fans the flames of hatred. The Republican nominee for North Carolina’s Governor quotes Hitler on Facebook and degrades his fellow Black Americans by describing them as “hypocrites who remain silent while they murder each other in abortion clinics and gang shootouts but then raise hell when a white cop shoots a Black criminal.” Another shockingly unqualified Republican nominee is running for North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction. She tweeted calls for public executions of Presidents Obama and Biden. There is no excuse or justification for promoting violence, and we can stop these hateful efforts to divide Americans by showing up at the polls. We must stand shoulder to shoulder with those who fight against extremism, oppression and voter suppression.
As stewards of this planet, our votes also carry the weight of environmental responsibility. Climate change, pollution and resource depletion threaten the very existence of future generations. By electing leaders who prioritize sustainability and environmental protection, we can safeguard our planet for our children.
So let's approach November 2024 with a sense of urgency and purpose. Let's commit to turning off the television news networks that have morphed into propaganda machines. Instead, utilize reputable, verifiable online resources to learn about candidates and voting for every office on the ballot. Each mark we make contributes to the resilience of our democracy, a more just society and the preservation of our planet. Let's do this not just for ourselves but for the generations yet to come. Our grandchildren deserve nothing less.
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Kathie Kline is the current Chair of the Buncombe County Democratic Party. She has lived in Asheville with her husband Robert Kline for over 40 years. A retired teacher and studio potter, Kline divides her time between her four young grandchildren and volunteering to make a difference for their future.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Opinion: Election Day in NC crucial in opposing MAGA extremism
