Bad things can sometimes produce good effects. Those who remember World War II, for example, speak warmly of the shared sense of purpose and national unity that horrific conflict engendered. That is not to say the war was somehow good, only that part of the response to it was positive.
It appears this year’s election could yield a similar result. As controversial and complicated as the choices are this time around, it seems possible this cycle will also produce an elevated rate of voter participation. That, at least, will be good.
The 2016 presidential race has so far been fascinating – in much the same way that it is hard not to look at a car crash. And it shows signs of further devolving.
Both major party candidates have record-high rates of disapproval, while neither the Libertarian nor Green candidates look to get enough support to be a factor. (There are 22 presidential candidates on the Colorado ballot, plus a write-in.)
It has widely been feared that disgust with both the Republican and Democratic nominees would lead voters simply to turn away. But at least locally, that is not the case.
In fact, as of Monday, the office of La Plata County Clerk and Recorder Tiffany Lee Parker had registered 700 voters in September alone. That includes a number of people who have rarely – or even never – voted.
That is not only encouraging, it is healthy. And it should reinforce Americans’ faith in self-government. Faced with one flawed and unpopular candidate and another who poses an actual threat to the republic, the answer is not to throw up one’s hands and walk away, but to double down on democracy.
That voters face a slew of ballot measures may also contribute. There are nine statewide issues, addressing questions ranging from the mundane to extraordinarily ambitious. La Plata County voters will also decide two important spending questions, while Bayfield and Durango school districts are both asking for more money. There are get-out-the-vote efforts all around.
This is how Americans govern themselves. And the more people who recognize its importance, the better.
