Candidates for public office turn to the voters of their district to elect them. This is not an easy task, which includes knocking on doors, attending public events and honestly debating issues. Increasingly, though, voters have lost faith in the greatest democracy on the planet. According to a recent Gallup poll (September 2023), voters have the least faith in the federal government (32%). Americans have the most faith in local government (67%). By comparison, 59% of voters nationwide trust their state politicians.
There are many reasons voters lose faith in elected state, local and federal officials. Among the top reasons is that voters, especially poor and minority, believe their ballot doesn’t count. If you believe your vote won’t change what’s broken, then why bother? Another reason is that voters begin to perceive elected officials as polarized, the end result is that substantive legislative work will get stuck in committee. Again, why bother? Finally, voters rationalize away their trust in politicians because they believe politicians are obligated to their big campaign contributors. Constituents feel top contributors have the ear of politicians and not individuals in their district. Again, why bother?
You may be scratching your head and asking yourself, “What can I do?” The short answer is: vote! Vote in September’s primary. Vote in November’s general election. Educate yourself about the candidates. The first race voters should concern themselves with is RD 14, where the incumbent has decided not to run. RD 14 voters have the chance to consider what is important to the ever-growing and demographically changing district. RD 14 has the chance to have a candidate that reflects the changing political landscape. There are three candidates in RD 14’s Democratic primary. Only one of them would bring a fresh, unfettered voice to Dover – Claire Snyder-Hall.
The Rehoboth Beach Democrat has an impressive resume that shows she’s ready for the job and dedicated to constituents. Snyder-Hall earned her PhD from Rutgers University and tenure from George Mason University. She served as the executive director of Common Cause Delaware, a non-partisan, grassroots, pro-democracy group that advocates for government reform. As an award-winning author, she has penned four books. Her topics include an argument for gay marriage, military service and gender, and right-wing populism and the media. She is the only candidate who brings the marriage of academia and political theory to the table.
Snyder-Hall’s common rallying call has been that democracy is on the ballot, including women’s issues, healthcare, education, the environment and housing. The pro-choice Democrat will protect reproductive freedom and many other issues important to women and those who love them.
The health of democracy is threatened when people don’t vote. Democracy is built on the foundation that constituents’ voices are being heard. Forward-thinking Claire Snyder-Hall will bring all the voices of RD 14 to Dover. Make sure your voice is heard – register and vote in September’s primary.
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