Every Vote Will Count

In 1960, John F. Kennedy won the presidency of the United States by a margin of less than one vote per precinct over Richard M. Nixon. Forty years later pollsters indicate this year’s presidential election will be as close as that one. Most opinion polls indicate a dead heat between Democrat Al Gore and Republican George Bush in the closing days of the race.

Obviously, every vote will count as candidates for public office go down to the wire trying to win votes and get supporters to the voting stations.

History illustrates the importance of a single vote. In this country Rutherford B. Hayes was elected president of the United States in 1876 by a one-vote margin in the Electoral College. President Andrew Johnson was saved from impeachment in 1868 by a single vote in the U.S. Senate. That the national language is English instead of German was decided by a single vote in 1776.

In England, Oliver Cromwell seized control of the government by a single-vote margin in 1645. A single vote changed France from a monarchy to a republic in 1875. Adolf Hitler won leadership of the Nazi Party of Germany in 1923 by a single vote.

Obviously, every vote counts. That is why Southern Baptist Convention president James P. Merritt has joined other religious leaders in urging Christians to go to the polls and cast their ballots Nov. 7. Two years ago, only 36.4 percent of voters went to the polls to cast their ballots. That was the lowest voter turnout since 1942.

Many of the 115 million people who did not vote excused themselves by saying, “I’m just one person. My vote doesn’t make a difference.’’ But it does. Every vote counts.

While selecting a new president receives the vast majority of attention, it is not the only issue on which voters in Alabama and elsewhere will be casting ballots — not the only issue where every vote will count.

For example, six states — South Dakota, Massa-chusetts, Arkansas, Colorado, Maine and South Carolina — will face referendums on legalized gambling.  South Carolina Baptists are fighting a state-sponsored lottery. Observers say the battle is “too close to call.” Like Alabama, the anti-gambling forces face a governor who was elected on a pro-gambling platform. And like Alabama, South Carolina Baptists have joined with others to lead the fight to keep state-sponsored gambling out of their state.

In South Dakota, Massachusetts, Arkansas and Maine, anti-gambling forces are predicting victory. If so, video lottery gambling will be repealed in South Dakota, dog racing eliminated in Massachusetts, casinos kept out of Arkansas and video gambling kept away from dog tracks in Maine.

Only in Colorado, where anti-gambling forces failed to form a coalition, is gambling expected to win approval.

If these predictions hold true, Nov. 7 will be a great day for anti-gambling forces across the United States. Moral and civic righteousness will have overcome the darkness of selfishness and greed. But to win the victories will take going to the polls, because every vote will be needed and every vote will count.

In Alabama, several communities face hot political issues. Albertville faces a wet/dry vote on the sale of alcoholic beverages. Limestone County will determine whether to allow bingo gambling within its boundaries. Jefferson County will vote on outlawing prostitution in the unincorporated areas of the county.

In Jefferson County some observers are worried because of what they call a confusing ballot title. Those who favor making prostitution a crime and establishing penalties for it, will have to vote “yes.” A “no” vote will keep prostitution legal in unincorporated areas of the county.

In each of these local issues, every vote will count.

Because of Alabama’s constitutional requirements, every state voter will be asked to decide if the town of White Hall in Lowndes County can legalize bingo gambling within its boundaries. And all state voters will be asked to repeal the state constitutional ban on interracial marriages. That section of the state constitution was declared invalid years ago and is inoperative.

Alabama voters also will face a number of other questions including use of revenue from the Alabama Trust Fund and a proposal designed to allow local districts to raise taxes for schools without impacting an entire county. In all, 19 constitutional amendments will be on the statewide ballot and another 31 amendments on the ballot in one county.

Alabama Baptists will want to learn about each issue on which they will be asked to vote as well as inform themselves about the positions of candidates seeking public office. Then every eligible Alabama Baptist voter will want to go to the polls and cast a ballot Nov. 7. Every vote is important, and every vote will count.