Tuesday is the general election, and I can say with some certainty that everyone is ready for this long political season to draw to a close. Now that the season for campaigning is winding down it is time that the real work of moving our country forward be the focus of all our elected leaders, regardless of party.

Amidst the constant barrage of advertisements and letters that I receive from candidates and campaigns occasionally there crosses my desk a few words which help to instill in me a sense of hope and renewed purpose as a citizen of this great and wondrous nation. I’d like to share with you a brief passage sent to me via email this week by the poet Maya Angelou that is especially appropriate this week, “I am not writing to you as a black voter, or a woman voter, or as voter who is over 70 years old and six feet tall. I am writing to you as a representative of this great country—as an American. It is your job to vote. It is your responsibility, your right, and your privilege. You may be pretty or plain, heavy or thin, gay or strait, poor or rich. But remember this: In an election, every voice is equally powerful—don’t underestimate your vote. Voting is the great equalizer.”

In the spirit of these words, I encourage everyone to vote.

Remember, Oklahoma state law now requires that you show a state issued photo I.D. before allowing you to cast your ballot. If you or someone that you know is unable to travel to their local polling place the Bryan County Democratic Party has volunteers that will be driving and providing rides to polling places throughout the county on election day. For more information please call (580) 283-3401 or (580) 775-7169.

May God bless America, and keep her steadfast and strong.

Dave Northcutt

Bryan County Democratic Central Committee