P OL I TI C S

CEO
THE FELKEL GROUP
CHIP FELKEL
For more on this topic visit InsideBlackBox.com/politics
O
n September 18th, over 90 percent of the eligible voters in Scotland participated in
a national referendum to determine if Scotland would remain part of the United
Kingdom or become an independent nation. The measure failed, 55 percent to 45
percenta signicant margin after most polling had indicated the race to have been
much closer in the closing days. Turnout, you, see, is important. After all the advertising, all the
speeches, rhetoric, and confusion, turnout matters. Those in against the measure were more effective
in not only making their case, but in getting their people to the voting booth. And yet, why must it
take a vote on national independence to get people to vote. Yes, that is a major issue, but when you
take an honest look should not all elections been seen important ones?
In the June 2014 primaries in South Carolina, a mere 14 percent of you saw t to take the time
to vote. In the presidential primary of 2000 which pitted George W. Bush against John McCain 27
percent of registered votes cast their ballots. In 2012, GOP primary for president won in S.C. by
Gingrich over Romney and others, 21.5 percent of the voters took the time to vote, yet even that
was a 35 percent uptick from 2008s primary. So what gives? Does your vote not matter? Do you
not care enough to exercise a right that millions around the world dont even have and thousands
upon thousands of lives have been lost to protect? What is your excuse? Let me see if I can tackle
some of the well-worn, overused reasons people dont vote:
My vote does not count. Wrong! As someone who counted chads in the 2000 Presidential
Election in Florida, let me tell you that every single vote does count.
I dont know enough about the candidates. Then you are lazy. There is plenty of informa-
tion, some biased, some not, about the candidates on the news, in the paper and on the internet. It
takes very little effort to actually nd information on the candidate and his or her positions on issues
that will affect you and your family. I bet you can tell me who your favorite act is on The Voice
and you take the time to vote there.
Cynicism. Does not matter who we elect to ofce. Nothing will change. You are right if you
dont participate and elect the candidate least likely to do the same old thing. We have term limits
and its call Election Day.
I just forgot to vote. Really? How in the world is that possible with all the signs, the ads,
and the noise candidates and their campaigns make leading up to Election Day? Forgetting to vote
means you are so self-absorbed that you take for granted a fundamental right, no obligation as part
of this nation.
It is important you vote. Its important you participate. Its an important example to your kids,
many of whom are woefully lacking in knowledge about our political system and how the govern-
ment works as evidence by a recent study showing only four percent of recent high school grads
could pass the basis test given to those seeking U.S. Citizenship. Sad, no doubt about it, but if they
dont see their parents engaged, involved and yes, voting, why should they care? Lead by example.
On November 4th, a voter of South Carolina will have the opportunity to participate in the
election process around the state. We will go to the polls to elect a governor, two United States Sen-
ators, Members of Congress, State House Representatives and cast a ballot for or against number of
important issues such as a penny sales tax increase to pay for much needed road repairs or a bonding
referendums to pay for schools.
Your vote does matter. Your participation does matter. Your vote does count. Its your voice, use it.
EXCUSES YOU CANT USE ON
ELECTION DAY (NOVEMBER 4)
About the author...
Chip Felkel is a veteran public
affairs strategist, media
relations expert and advocacy
innovator with over two
decades of experience in the
State and National arenas.
Felkels extensive political
resume includes roles with
Campbell for Governor, the
South Carolina Republican
Party, the Republican National
Committee, as well as the 1988
Bush-Quayle
Campaign (Executive
Director, Georgia), DeMint
2002 Congressional Re-elect
(campaign manager) and in
strategic and communications
roles with Bush-Cheney 2000
and 2004. He also serves as
a political analyst for WYFF
(NBC).
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