Citizens Are Fed Up with Politics, But Need to Get Out and Vote Nov. 8

To the Editor:

Like many of my Republican, Democratic and Independent friends, I was startled to hear about a recent poll in which 80 percent of New Jerseyans did not know an election was occurring on November 8, 2011. After considerable turnout rates for the 2008 and 2009 elections, this recent poll was disheartening.

Citizens from all across the political spectrum are fed up with politics, and quite frankly, they have a right to be. With national and state unemployment rates at over 9 percent and the county unemployment rate at 11.6 percent, many of our friends and neighbors are just trying to keep their heads above water. Citizens have lost faith in the political process, for which both sides are at fault.

I urge everyone, regardless of age, race, creed, political affiliation, or sexual orientation, to cast a vote for the candidates of their choice this Tuesday, November 8. Collectively, Republicans, Democrats, and Independents need to prove the polls wrong and show that they will decide the future of our republic.

It is cliche to say "Democracy isn't a spectator sport," but this maxim holds true. We need to be engaged in our government because the politicians work for us, not the other way around.

Mike Suleiman
Galloway Township Democratic Party Chair