Perhaps My Vote Does Matter?

During election season, my phone constantly rings. Robo calls from political action committees and candidates try to secure my vote. As a registered Democrat, I get special attention from that party and its supporters. My unaffiliated spouse gets fewer calls but they cover a wider political base. Political operatives know from the election rolls that we faithfully vote.

Over the past several weeks, as the New York State Senate approached a vote on the Marriage Equality Act, already passed by the State Assembly, I have undergone an onslaught of calls purporting to be a survey by an organization supporting families. The survey questions are so slanted against marriage equality there can be no doubt this organization's narrow definition of family does not include gay partners.

I have already emailed my Republican State Senator asking him to support marriage equality. Will he listen? I do not know.

All the attention we receive during election season or when a major piece of controversial legislation is up for a vote indicates our votes matter. So why do I feel that the communication is one-way? Yes, my vote and support is courted. But all too often those doing the courting do not appear to be listening when I solicit their votes on issues important to me.