Preparing for the next election, if there is one
Jim Thompson
By Jim Thompson
HCP columnist
The election of Nov. 3 is just a few days away. You will have some wins and some losses, unless you didn’t vote. If you didn’t vote, you will have nothing to complain about.
Here is what you can do before the 2028 election rolls around, if there is one. Keep track of the promises the candidates in the recent election made. For those that won, keep a journal of their performance vs their promises. Do the same for the parties as a whole, too.
I think the candidates, as well as you and I, tend not to remember the promises they made.
The parties do the same thing.
Times are more dangerous now than ever before; and I am not just saying that. Today, we have candidates and sections of parties that have stated they want to seriously revise our way of government, especially at the federal level. I believe they will do it if they get the chance.
So, our job as voting citizens is to never give them this chance.
Hindering us these days is social media. We often don’t know who is saying what is said, and we don’t know if it is true.
Social media has not made it easier for us to be informed voters; it has made it more difficult.
If you watch the news on television, mix it up. Watch different channels, see what they are saying. The good old Highland County Press is also excellent.
If you want to get a further reach, I recommend “Ground News,” https://ground.news. It shows you the reporting sources and the balance (left-center-right) on a given topic. It is not free.
Laura says she gets all the news she needs from “The Babylon Bee,” which is a satirical site. I have to admit it is pretty accurate, for if they poke fun at something, you can usually be certain they are starting from a basis of truth.
The worst thing you can do is be lackadaisical. Get involved, at a level higher than gossip. If not for yourself, for your children and grandchildren.
Jim Thompson, formerly of Marshall, is a graduate of Hillsboro High School and the University of Cincinnati. He resides in Duluth, Ga. and is a columnist for The Highland County Press.
Well Put
Well stated Jim. No vote? Don't complain later. Know people who refuse to vote. Comments like I don't want to make a mistake or doesn't impact me. Well, I can explain why you should vote and how. I have recieved many text reminders there is an election November 3rd. Like I have known for over a year. Interesting was reminder from Frank LaRose, Secretary of State, Ohio. Including picture of my polling place. Included I voted in 2022 and 2024. Yes, correct.
However I also voted 2023 and 2025 in person same polling place. So why did Frankie's text omit this?
And why is this my 6th year an Ohio resident did he see fit to send me a reminder? Seems to me he is trying to increase GOP registered voters to get out. Using his office as a public service seems to be a slight misuse of his authority. Yes Frankie, I will vote November 3rd. In person. The last election I missed was November, 2006. I was on an 8 week road trip in 11 states. My location changed every 1 to 3 days. Absentee ballot was not feasible. Voted every primary, general, and special election. Please everyone vote. Even if our choices are different. A high voter turnout gives more credibility to the voice of the people.