A citizen has various civic responsibilities, including voting, staying informed, and participating in community life. If we were living up to those responsibilities, we likely would not be faced with the current level of societal decline. We air our grievances and complain on social media, yet very few are willing to consider that maybe they, the individual, are part of the problem. Strive to be the solution.

Voting is a vehicle for societal change. We’re lucky to see a twenty percent turnout rate in primaries, and not much better in general elections. We have no right to complain about the quality of our politicians when we can’t be bothered to cast a ballot. Polls consistently indicate dismal approval ratings for our leaders, yet we have over a 90 percent re-election rate of sitting incumbents. That’s an indictment on the primary voters: the few who do show up largely vote on name ID rather than candidates’ positions on the issues. Sample ballots are available ahead of time online. Know who and what you’re voting for and vote in every election without exception.

Once we elect our representatives, don’t disengage. Too few of us attend city council, county commissioner, or school board meetings, or have ever communicated with our representatives in some capacity. Don’t outsource your civic duties to others. You have a voice. Use it to promote that which is objectively true and good, and rebuke actions that fail to meet that standard.

Lastly, get involved in the community. Identify local problems and be the solution. Volunteer your resources to meet others’ needs. The ripple effect of such activity will resonate with those around you and inspire others to build rather than deconstruct. The reversal of our societal decline starts with you. Be a citizen.

Jim Stalker

Alpena