The political climate has been getting hotter and more turbulent for years. Friends and families find it difficult to discuss politics without arguing. Though we are divided on many issues, we can put aside political differences and be united. We have shown that over and over again in times of crisis. Along with our will-help, can-do spirit, something that still unites us politically is that we believe in the power of the voting booth. We are lucky to live in this amazing, strong country and to be able to have a voice in our government.

The foundation of our democracy is the ability of all citizens being able to express their opinions. 

Your actions do matter. Your voice does matter. Your one vote does matter.

History is full of examples where one vote made a difference in winning or losing. In 1800, Thomas Jefferson was elected President by one vote in The House of Representatives after a tie in the Electoral College. Governors in Maine, Rhode Island and North Dakota were elected by an average of one vote per precinct in 1962. In Nevada, they know how to settle ties the gentlemanly way: drawing playing cards, with high card taking home the election spoils. In 2002, Republican, Dee Honeycutt came up short, drawing a jack of diamonds to Democrat R.J. Gillum’s jack of spades for a seat on the Esmeralda County Commission. 

The Presidential Election was decided by an extremely narrow margin in 2000. While more than 100 million voters cast ballots, the election was so close that it came down to a margin of just 537 votes in Florida for George W. Bush. In 2024, Trump won by just 0.06 percent of the 137 million votes cast.

If you aren’t registered to vote, take a few minutes to register. Your vote really can make a difference!

Karen Anderson is  a member of the leadership team of the Smithtown League of Women Voters, a nonprofit nonpartisan organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit https://my.lwv.org/new-york/suffolk-county or call 631-862-6860.