Gray Column: Don’t take the off-off year off

Tomorrow is the one day every year that all of us get a say in things. Yes, Virginia, it’s Election Day.

However, I wonder just how many of us will take advantage of this opportunity.

Historically speaking, probably not that many. 

This year constitutes what most politicos call an off-off year election. Meaning, Congress is not up for re-election (except for special elections) and there is no presidential election going on. Thank
goodness! I think we all got our share of the presidential stuff last year.

But the off-off year elections are equally as important. Virginia is facing its worst economic challenge in recent history. Thus, we have seen everything from state employee layoffs to the closing of
interstate rest centers. 

This is all being done in the name of cutting the state budget and preserving some resemblance of normalcy.

Then there are the things to come. Someone will have to implement this massive health care reform bill. And if Congress follows its usual pattern of implementing policy, it will be the state legislatures
around the country deciding whether to opt out or in of a public health plan or some other new legislation. 

And don’t forget the accursed High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes we have all heard of. One way or another someone is going to have to kill that program or make sure it is fair (or as fair as it can be) to the
northern Virginia commuters.

And finally the always present transportation issues like mass transit that are talked about with little significant action accomplished.

So, you see there are plenty of reasons to show up tomorrow to vote.

The problem is that in the past, we Virginians are notorious for not showing up.

According to the Virginia State Board of Elections, the last time we had an off-off year election — back in 2005 — roughly 45 percent of registered voters showed up statewide. In 2003, the turnout was
just above 30 percent.

Even during the historic elections of last year, only 74.5 percent of the registered voters came out.

Now 74.5 sounds high, but as I think of what a 74.5 would be to any kid in school, that is at best a low C; in some cases even a D. I think we all know what 45 percent would be.

The fact is, with all that is at stake in our state and country, the times we live in demand a higher level of attention from the voters. 

Some people I talk to about this say, “Why vote? It just encourages them.” The “them” of course referring to our elected officials.

But if you feel that way, I suggest you go visit another country, like say Afghanistan or Iraq.  Those are places where even Al Qaeda and the Taliban understand the power of voting. So much so that they
would threaten, bomb, maim and kill a person trying to exercise their civic duty of voting. They know that the level of voting represents the will and confidence of the people in the form of government they
are choosing.

So what is our excuse Virginia? The answer is we have none. A little rain, cold air or even the dreaded traffic jam do not compare to bombs, bullets and threats. 

I hope that as you and I go to the polls we get the pleasure of the discomfort of waiting in a long line. I hope there are television reports of how people are wrapped around school buildings waiting to get in
and vote, or I hope to hear of record number of early voters. 

Why? Because it shows we care.

Regardless of partisanship or any of that childish stuff we see in campaigns, I believe that sends the strongest message to Richmond and eventually gives us the change we need and deserve.

See you at the polls!

Davon Gray works in Washington and resides in Woodbridge. Contact him at .