Posted on: Thursday, October 7, 2004

ISLAND VOICES

By Michael Golojuch Jr.

During the get-out-the-vote drive, it seems that everyone involved was telling you that all you have to do is vote to make this world a better place.

Unfortunately, it is not that easy. Getting people registered was the easy step, but an uninformed voter is just as dangerous, if not more so, than someone who does not vote at all.

Hopefully you are registered to vote and are going to take the time to vote. However, you need to check out all of the candidates, find out who they are and what they believe in.

You need to get to know the candidates and make sure they know who you are.

When it comes to incumbents, check out their voting records to see where they really stand on the issues. Do not take them at their word because talk is cheap, especially in an election year.

For some candidates, research may take a little more work, but this is time well spent. If any candidate is not accessible and you cannot find out anything about them that has not been scripted, that tells you a lot about how they will act if they get elected. Do you really want any elected official representing you who is not accessible?

So after you've done your research and the person you think can help make this world a better place loses, do not worry that all is lost. You need to remember that real social change, change that has made this world a better place, very rarely comes from the voting booth.

After Nov. 2, you still have a voice in the way that this state and country are run, even if your candidate is not in office. But you will lose your voice if you do not use your voice. How, you ask?

Here is just a short list that will scare those who do not want this world to be a better place for everyone. Take to the streets each and every time there is a tax cut for the wealthy. Write a letter to the editor of every paper and all of your elected representatives every time you hear that someone's civil rights have been violated.

If your elected representatives do not get back to you, save that and use it against them in the next election. Talk to your friends and acquaintances about politics when it is not an election year.

Take heart — a better world is possible, but it is only possible if you and your friends get involved and stay informed.

Michael Golojuch Jr. is a civil rights activist and private consultant who lives in Kapolei.