Speak now or forever hold your peace is a regular part of the wedding ceremony for some Christian denominations. This phrase is an invitation for any legitimate objection to the marriage before the vows are sealed. The right to oppose the union of the bride and groom vanishes after the official ‘I dos,’ or marriage pronouncement.
Did you say or hold your peace in the midterm election on November 7, 2022? There’s no redress if you didn’t vote in person or your mail-in or drop-box ballot wasn’t received by the deadline.
When elected leaders betray our trust with oppressive and overbearing governmental policies, the vote is the people’s voice and method to enact change. Voting is one of the hallmarks of our democracy that provides for the will of the people. And we use our voice and vote to elect leaders who are in tune with our issues and concerns.
The vote is the ultimate act of redress for governmental inadequacies. The count of the sealed and secured votes determines the officeholders and leaders until the next election.
Tuesday, November 7, we had the opportunity to vote and make our objections and preferences known regarding many of our society’s social and economic issues. The preferred candidate is chosen based on character, experience, values, and stance on hot-button issues by a majority of the voters.
People who didn’t vote must hold their peace until the next election.
Keith Ellison said, “Not voting is not a protest. It is a surrender.”
But this doesn’t mean those who surrendered and didn’t vote won’t grumble and complain, but no vote, no gripe.
Contrary to forever holding one’s peace after the wedding nuptials, people who didn’t vote in the midterm election still retain their voting rights for the next election. Of course, the voters aren’t married to the election winners, but the winners, as office holders, are betrothed to their office by an oath. And we have to support or endure their policies and legislative agendas until the next election.
We who voted have done our civic duty for this election period because we want our country to move forward in unity. And prayerfully, all losers will concede gracefully and honorably; this is the American tradition and way.
What’s next for the conscientious citizen who believes in equality, the welfare of all citizens, and the prosperity of the United States, whether your candidate won or lost?
First Timothy 2:1-4 says we are to pray for those in authority “That we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”
Hopefully, our leaders know it’s not about them but the people. A servant leader will work for his constituents, the people, and the country and not for himself.
Pray for unity among the elected leaders to put the people first.
Americans and our leaders are more divided than ever by political agendas, race, financial status, tribalism, and more. Pray that the leaders will do the right thing for the people in the fear and honor of God. Pray that Christians who believe in the brotherhood of all and the fatherhood of God refrain from all perceptions of hate and division to be the light for others and the world.
Sharon Salzberg said, “Voting is the expression of our commitment to ourselves, one another, this country, and this World.”
The midterm election is done; don’t forget to pray for our leaders, citizens, country, and world.
Be well.