Voting a responsibility

To the editor:

I was deeply involved with the recent election, as I have been for many years. I want to take this opportunity to thank all the residents of the Mat-Su Borough — only 13.27 percent — who took the time to exercise their right to vote. Exercising our right to vote is one of the ways we remain free.

For those who did not exercise their right to vote — 86.73 percent of all registered voters — turn the coin over and you will see that the other side of our coin of the “right to vote” is the responsibility to vote. Your failure to uphold your responsibility to vote has placed a significant burden on the rest of us. We now must try even harder to get you out next time to vote and conscientiously govern you with fairness and without rancor.

First, we must try to determine what your needs and desires are, which is difficult as you did not allow your voices to be heard. Then we must try to prevent the minority, those who voted for the successful candidates, from thinking they represent you, the silent majority.

Soldiers in Iraq, Afghanistan and or Pakistan make more than a 13.27 percent effort. They as individuals are committed 100 percent. We need to honor their commitment by getting ourselves out to vote. Let’s see if we can reverse those numbers next time.

William H. Bruu

Wasilla