This is the question that is asked by many both young and old. I often wonder if my vote really has an effect on the issues of the world that affect me as well as others. I hear many of our young people decrying the value of their vote and just deciding that they are going to do what they want to do anyway. Does my vote really count? Is there real need to take out time, go to the voting booth, read through the various propositions, acts, referendums, and candidates and placing my mark in the appropriate space, and then walk out not knowing if that vote really made a difference.

I want to share with you emphatically, that the vote you cast does count and it does have significance. You see, that mark is more than just a vote for a person or a position. It is much more than that. It is one of the fundamental rights you have as a citizen. There is hardly any other more precious right that you have as a citizen of the United States of America than the freedom to go into that voting booth and saying I am here. I am a citizen. I count.

We saw how elated the citizens of Iraq were when they had their first chance to make a real choice in their lives. They risked their lives and their way of life to say "I am here." "I exist." "I count." Some say that still doesn't mean that my vote counts. You vote does count. It counts first within the number of other votes that were and are cast. But more importantly, and significantly it counts to the countless lives that were given to make it possible. It counts to the men and women who never was given that freedom to have a part in setting the course of the countries destiny. It counts to the children for whom your vote means a possibility.

Not to vote is the ultimate act of selfishness when the right the vote is so free. To not vote is to take the gift that many have died for and throw it back in there face. As we approach this year's election I want to encourage, rather, beseech you to exercise your right. Read up on the information, get involved. Let them see that you are here. You are a citizen. YOU COUNT!!

Rev. Darryl B Heath, Pastor
St. John Missionary Baptist Church, Sacramento, CA