Rev. Judith Wright: Voting is so important to the entire democratic process

To The Daily Sun,

As the minister of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Laconia, I would like to share one of the guiding principles of our faith: the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process.

Participation in free, fair and secure elections is the underpinning of our democracy.

Our democracy gives the people the right to self-govern through representation. However, the process works only if we stay informed and show up to vote, prepared to choose wisely.

The challenge is to elect those candidates who will best represent our values, and serve the public good, while upholding the Constitution and the rule-of-law.

Before voting, do everything possible to learn about the candidates and their priorities. Listen respectfully to all sides of an issue, accepting division and conflict as inevitable. Then, carefully sift through and weigh the evidence, working to discern truth from false, and fact from fiction.

The democratic process is often unruly, chaotic and sometimes bitter. But still, without any doubt, democracy is the very best system of government available anywhere.

Countless Americans have fought and sacrificed their lives to protect our country and our rights and freedoms. By exercising the right to vote, voters honor their courage and bravery.

“Our present is shaped by all America has done and has been. But our future will be shaped in large part by our own aspirations-what we decide this country can and must be” ― Osita Nwanevu, author of “The Right of the People.”

It’s all on us to make sure that our families, communities and country will prosper in the future, leaving a proud legacy for generations to come.

Make a plan now to vote in November. Encourage others to do the same. Our hopes and dreams for our democracy are on the line.

Rev. Judith Wright

Laconia