The power belongs to the people through voting

Editor,

In the past two years, Indivisible has held three major No Kings rallies, and each has drawn more people than the one before. That growing participation sends a clear message: In America, we have no kings. The power belongs to the people.

This year, No Kings Day is October 17, but the movement is turning that message into action by promoting Get Out the Vote efforts from early October through Election Day.  Our non-patrician Indivisible Worcester Maryland chapter has already held rallies in Snow Hill and Pocomoke City. On October 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., we will gather at Stephen Decatur Park in Berlin. On October 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., we will meet at the Park and Ride in West Ocean City and distribute Get Out the Vote cards at Sunfest. On October 31, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., we will rally at Veterans Memorial Park in Ocean Pines.  Join us! We will wave signs, distribute voter information and, most importantly, encourage everyone to make a plan to vote, check their registration and learn their voting options.

Families in Worcester County and across America are struggling with gas prices, grocery bills, electric bills and the rising cost of everyday necessities. The decisions we make at the ballot box will help determine what our future looks like.

The power of our democracy does not belong to billionaires, politicians or bullies who believe they are above accountability. It belongs to us—but only if we use it. October 17 is about nonpartisan voter participation: making sure every eligible voter has a plan, knows the options and is ready to make their voice count. Our elections—and public confidence in them—are under attack. Efforts to undermine trust in our elections or make it harder for citizens to participate threaten all of us.

Early voting in Maryland runs October 22 through October 29. In Worcester County, voters can cast ballots at the Ocean City Convention Center from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters may also vote by mail. Ballots can be returned to designated drop boxes, including locations at the Worcester County Board of Elections in Snow Hill, the Ocean City Convention Center and the Pocomoke Community Center.

Voting early can give you peace of mind and time to address problems such as a signature issue, missing paperwork or an unexpected schedule conflict. We, the people, choose our leaders. Spread the word. Join a Get Out the Vote rally. Offer a neighbor or friend a ride to the polls. Help someone make a voting plan.

We have no kings. We have something more powerful: the right and responsibility to choose our leaders. Let’s use that power.

Tish Michel
Ocean City