Fair & Free From Fear

The 2014 midterm elections have gone – however, not the memories. This was my first time voting since my recent status as a citizen. As a novice to the process, I have very much for which to be thankful. 

For days I prayed that the elections would be fair and free from fear. From all appearances, it would seem as though my prayer was answered. In my community it was a quiet day – I discovered many persons had opted for early voting. I was among the 43% of Floridians who voted.

Nationally, voter turnout in the elections was terrible. Imagine, only 36.3% of eligible voters cast votes. The New York Times reported that this election was the worst turnout in 72 years. Only the 1942 election (33.9%) had a lower rate of voter turnout. Voter turnout is usually measured as a proportion of registered voters rather than of those eligible to vote — and census numbers show that more than 70 million Americans of voting age are not registered voters. 

With a voter turnout of less than 36%, one questions the moral basis for the claim that the winners got a clear mandate to rule. Interestingly, if the Constitution required a simple majority for election results to be valid, many elections in America would be cancelled for the lack of a quorum. 

In addition, the Center for Responsive Politics, a nonpartisan Washington group whose job is to track political spending, estimated that candidates, parties, committees, outside groups and donors spent at least $3.67 billion on the 2014 midterm elections, some $40 million more than what was spent in 2010. 

Pollsters contend that most persons did not vote because they “just couldn’t be bothered”. Say what? Do you know how many countries would love to have an opportunity to vote in elections that are free from fear? Even many persons within developed countries wish they had an electoral system like the United States. For instance, whereas the US Constitution has established limits and specific times for elections, many countries within the Westminster Model face sudden elections, with the timing often favoring the ruling government.

Apart from having one of the best electoral systems in the world, I am especially grateful for the recent midterm elections for a number of reasons. One was the sheer demeanor displayed by congressional candidate Dan Bongino. He lost to Democrat John Delaney. 

In his concession speech, Bongino revealed that his wife had been experiencing health issues, which had forced him to limit campaign appearances. Upon learning of her illness, Bongino’s opponent, responded with a handwritten letter “expressing his heartfelt concerns for my wife and my family, given the circumstances we were dealing with.” Bongino graciously admitted, “I never forgot that, it reminded me that although our wonderful country is currently marked by passionate political differences, these differences should never become personal.”

Yes, that happened in America, and I wished it got more press. I could also say the same about Mia Love from Utah. For years I have followed this 37-year old political leader. On her second attempt she won her seat to represent her district – she is the first black female Republican in Congress. 

In response to a journalist who attempted to credit her gender and ethnicity for her success, Mia Love responded, “This is historic but it’s not because of the color of my skin - it’s historic because Utah has decided to elect a person based on their principles.” She represents a district with fewer than 2% of black voters.  

Both in the case of Mia Love and Tim Scott, it would seem as though an increasing number of Americans are prepared to vote for character rather than color. Scott is the first black lawmaker elected to both chambers of Congress. He represents South Carolina, a state with just about 28% black citizens.

Another interesting record was broken in Iowa. Joni Ernst’s win makes her the first female combat veteran to get elected to the Senate and the first woman in Congress from that state. Another first among women, was Elise Stefanik, 30, who when elected, became the youngest female member of Congress.

In addition, 37-year-old Arkansas GOP Rep. Tom Cotton winning a Senate seat makes him the youngest member of the upper chamber. Although she will not be in Washington, Saira Blair, just eighteen, won the election for West Virginia’s 59th House District. Still a freshman at West Virginia University, Saira became the youngest state lawmaker in the nation after sweeping 63% of the vote.  

I suppose by now you understand why I am so thankful after the midterm elections – ethnic walls are continuing to break down, gender equality is more evident and our youth are continuing to assume positions of leadership. I thank God that He has allowed me to participate in such an electoral system – not perfect, but certainly fair and free from fear.