Outcome is in our hands

A Gazette article (“Interest level in city elections floundering,” Oct. 17) warned of a potential low voter turnout for our Nov. 5 election to select our mayor, City Council members and determine whether to extend the local-option sales tax to address our deplorable streets. I strongly hope this is not the case, especially since I believe results of the last two elections on the local-option sales tax were not necessarily representative of our community's wishes but, rather, the result of an impassioned no vote that ensured the results we have lived with the last several years.

The apathy or indifference of a majority and the determination of an invigorated minority can spell defeat for the larger community and clearly a low voter turnout strongly enhances that possibility.

I urge Cedar Rapids residents to go to the ballot box whether by absentee, early voting or at the polling place and cast your ballot. Our city government is incredibly important to the vibrancy, direction and success of our town; no one thinks our streets are in good shape and not voting does nothing to improve them.

Principled “no” voters will go to the polls and they will go in large numbers. If you have a contrary opinion, I advise you to meet the challenge, shake off apathy, go to the polls and hopefully be pleased with the election's result.

If you don't vote and the results are not what you wished, you have only yourself to blame. Please vote, the outcome is in our hands.

Tom van Deest

Cedar Rapids