By: Sandy Thompson
NFBPWC Finance Chair 2024-2026 

Voting 

Why is it important to vote? 

1. Elections have consequences. You have the power to decide on the quality of life you want. Voting  is your chance to stand up for the issues you care about. This is your life: take the time to help decide  what’s best. 

2. Not voting is giving up your voice. Elections are decided by people who go out and vote. Take some  time and learn about the measures and the candidates. If you don’t vote, someone else will make the  decision for you. Your power is your vote. 

3. It’s your money. You pay your dues, but do you know how that money is being used? Most people  don’t. Voting is your chance to choose how your dues are spent. 

4. Voting is an opportunity for change. Do you want to make a positive impact? Voting gives you that chance! Support the  candidates and measures that help the organization. Make your voice heard in this election. 

5. The organization depends on you! Make the decision to vote for yourself and those around you.

Make sure your voice is heard – Vote! 

Below is a partial list of elections where a single vote decided the outcome: 

• President Ruthford B. Hayes was elected President of the United States by one Electoral vote 186 to 185 

• A Democratic candidate won New York’s election to its 36th Congressional District in 1910 by garnering  20,685 votes, while his Republican opponent drew 20,684. 

• Maine’s 1982 state House election was won by a candidate who received 1,387 votes to the loser’s 1,386  votes 

• A 1980 state House race in Utah in was won by a victor who garnered 1,931 votes over the loser’s 1,930  votes 

• A 1970 Rhode Island state House race was won by the victor’s 1,760 votes to the loser’s 1,759 votes 

• A Missouri state house race during the same year as Rhode Island’s above-referenced political race was  won by the victor’s 4,819 votes over the loser’s 4,818 votes. 

• And don' forget it was by one vote that women won the right to vote! 

So, as you can clearly see, your vote can make all the difference!