The year was 1976, and although I was a young child, I remember that summer – and specifically, that Fourth of July.
That was the year we celebrated America’s Bicentennial, marking the 200th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
There were fireworks, parades and hot dogs – of course, hot dogs!
So many memories have stayed with me.
Many things have changed since then, including my well-earned gray hair.
But many of the values we celebrated in 1976 will once again be front and center as we celebrate theSemiquincentennial.
For me, the 250th anniversary of the founding of this country is a reminder of the eventsthat led to Declaration of Independence and the hard-fought victories for our nation’s freedoms.
As the Sarasota County supervisor of elections, I can trace a direct line from our founders signing the Declaration of Independence to our sacred right to vote.
And while the journey of self-governance has not always been smooth, the right to vote remains one of the most cherished rights of Americans.
Our right to cast a ballot and have our voice heard.
To vote for the candidates and questions that most closely align with our beliefs.
To help determine the direction of our country and the community we live in.
From time to time, we may take the right to vote for granted, but its importance cannot be overstated.
Equally as important, though, is the idea that the outcome will not always go our way.
Sometimes the candidates and questions that we vote for do not win the day.
And that’s OK.
In most cases, there’s another election not too far away when we can again cast our vote.
So as we go through 2026 and get closer to the Semiquincentennial, my hope is that celebration will turn to action.
That we will not only embrace our right to vote, but we will also embrace the responsibilities that come with that right.
Namely to educate ourselves about the races on the ballot, understand the voting requirements and respect the process.
And then, of course, to vote.
Once our nation’s anniversary celebration is over, the Aug. 18 primary election will begin.
It will offer voters the perfect opportunity to exercise that glorious right to vote.
Remember, there is something for every registered voter, regardless of party affiliation, in Sarasota County to vote on during the coming primary election.
So please, as our founders did, make your voice heard!
Ron Turner is the Sarasota County supervisor of elections. He is a past president of theFlorida Supervisors of Elections statewide association.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: What’s the best way to celebrate July 4? Vote in August | Opinion
Reporting by Ron Turner Guest columnist, Sarasota Herald-Tribune / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Ron Turner Guest columnist, Sarasota Herald-Tribune | USA TODAY Network
