OUR VIEW: Go vote, then move on with your life
Published 8:00 am Tuesday, January 5, 2021
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If you don’t know about the election today, you must have been living under a rock.
The U.S. Senate runoffs have become the most expensive political races in Georgia history. Judging by the amount of mailers, calls, texts, television and online ads we’ve been bombarded with, that doesn’t come as a surprise.
If there’s one thing both sides agree on, it’s that this election is important. Depending on what happens, we will either have a divided government or one where Democrats control Congress and the White House. Which outcome is better for the country depends on your political persuasion.
Oh, and there is another race on the ballot, for a Public Service Commission seat. Lots of people don’t even know what the PSC is (it regulates utilities), so it’s a good time to acquaint yourself with it.
We encourage you to vote in these runoffs. If you think it doesn’t matter, consider that the margin in the presidential race in Georgia was less than 15,000 votes in a race where nearly 5 million Georgians cast a ballot. These races could be similarly close.
We’re sure you’ve heard plenty about how each candidate is evil and going to destroy America. If all you’ve absorbed are negative ads, we’d encourage you to read up on the candidates. Check out their policy plans on their websites, or seek real, nonpartisan news sources to learn more about them.
Runoffs are about motivating the base to turn out, though. In this highly divided, partisan climate, you probably already know who you’ll vote for.
If you’re a died-in-the-wool Democrat or Republican, go exercise your right. But please, after winners are declared, let’s move on with our lives.
Many of us are sick and tired of this election and the chaos around it. No matter who wins, everybody ought to accept the results and carry on.
We look forward to a time where we can talk politics with family and friends in a civil way. When we can think about something else. When the headlines aren’t election news, 24/7. So go vote, and then move on with your life.