Raise Your Voice, Vote Your Choice

NEA Retired President, Jim Sproul

No matter whom you back for President or for other national and state offices up for grabs this month, we know that getting involved in the political debates, and speaking out about critical issues affecting children and seniors, will help shape our policies for years to come.

Don't doubt for a minute that seniors have clout. A recent article in Agewise magazine reported that a whopping 72 percent of registered voters ages 65-72 voted in the 2000 presidential election-and they accounted for fully 25 percent of all votes cast for President that year. The 16 so-called "battleground" states—where it's predicted this year's election will be won or lost—are home to one-third of all American seniors. It's no stretch to say that the senior vote may, ultimately, decide this month's presidential election.

So dive into any last-minute homework you need to do to learn about the presidential candidates and their records. If you have the chance, see if you can help transport some in your local communities to the polls. And then, vote your choice. You could very well be making a decision that will be felt for a lifetime.