Every voice and vote matters.

Just recently, a local leader thanked me for getting her involved in politics. I had pushed her, insisting that her members needed someone to represent them both with current office holders and with those running for office. She said she had no idea how interesting it was, or how much fun.

It got me thinking back to when I first became involved in politics. I was reading about a local election where less than 32 percent of registered voters participated. It hit me that a minority of only 16 percent was making decisions that affected 100 percent of the population. The wacky politicians who make crazy decisions that only benefit a minority are not elected by a majority of the people. They are elected by a majority of the people who show up. When you decide to stay away, you are proclaiming that it is OK with you whatever decision is made. I already voted in every election, but I realized that I wanted to be part of the decision regarding what was placed on the ballot. I became involved in politics.

How about you? Are you one of the hapless hopeless who feels you can’t make a difference and thinks it doesn’t matter who gets elected anyway? Or are you an educator whose life is wrapped around the belief that you can make a difference.

Four years ago, our governor’s race was decided by a record close 133 votes. Every voice and vote mattered. The contrast between the two candidates’ positions on education could not have been starker. One candidate had used his role in the senate to orchestrate over $1 billion in education cuts and has steadfastly refused to discuss education policy with educators, showing no concern for the increasing workload from unfunded mandates. The other candidate pledged to restore the suspended initiatives, honoring the will of the people, and to maintain ongoing discussions with educators on relevant issues. Our governor followed through on her promises. She demonstrated her integrity by her actions.

So it does matter to public education who gets elected and every vote does count. There are things you can do that will make a difference. Most important of all, vote! WEA members have three easy things they can do which will make a big difference. First, join WEA-PAC and find five friends to join with you, and help with the PAC drive. Second, sign up to help on the Gregoire phone banks being coordinated through your council. And third, join the Action Team at www.ourvoicewashingtonea.org.

You do matter and you can make a difference. If your salary, your workload, and your students matter to you, step forward and be part of the solution.