I voted

Opinion: We should be thankful for election workers

Let’s come together on April 12 to thank our election workers.

Americans of every ethnicity, every state and every party, believe in the freedom to decide for ourselves who represents us. Nonetheless, our nation struggles to overcome the false information being published by prevaricating and pretentious self-seeking autocrats. They are putting ill-gained profit for their private embellishment before the legitimate profit of merit for social value, so it’d be pertinent we take time to remember the steadfast dedication of Alaska’s Division of Elections. It is through their efforts we all benefit as they sustain the value of our vote. A critical endeavor necessary to perpetuate this republican experiment that has been practiced successfully over the last 240 years.

Americans across race, place, and party believe in the freedom to decide for ourselves who represents us. When one in five local election administrators say they are likely to leave their jobs before the 2024 presidential election (according to a Brennan Center survey conducted in March) and one in every three know an election worker who has already left due to threats or other barriers fabricated to prevent them doing their jobs, it’s time these friends and neighbors of ours be lauded for their thankless, while crucial and courageous in this red-cap atmosphere, daily acts of heroism.

In the face of this pandemic, and these other barriers erected to silence our voices, Americans still turned out in record numbers to cast ballots and have their voices heard. Successful democracy in America depends on these truly selfless and patriotic citizens. Election workers sacrificed their own health and safety so that we are able to cast our votes safely, and they worked overtime to ensure every vote was counted accurately.

Let’s come together on April 12 to thank our election workers and to let them know how grateful we are that they respect our strong election laws and count every vote.

John S. Sonin,

Douglas

• Columns, My Turns and Letters to the Editor represent the view of the author, not the view of the Juneau Empire. Have something to say? Here’s how to submit a My Turn or letter.