An Open Letter on the Contentious Election of 2004:

            Well now, on November 3, 2004, the election for President of the United States is all but over.  John Kerry has conceded to President Bush, after realizing that he would not be able to win Ohio, and certifying the result is a mere formality.  Now depending on which candidate you supported, you may either be elated, angry, or even terrified about this result.  But one thing is clear today, American democracy is extremely strong for yesterday the American voting system performed well in its task—electing the next President of the United States.   Yesterday was much more than a win for Mr. Bush. It was a win for democracy.

            Now if you were a supporter of Senator Kerry, I have a feeling you probably disagree with this analysis; however, if you supported the President’s bid for a second term, you most likely agree with me.  The fact is that the Bush won the popular vote by over four million votes and took the Electoral College.   He is the first President since 1988 to win a majority of the popular vote.   The American people have spoken and they have chosen by a small but firm margin to give the President a second term.  I praise Senator Kerry for accepting the decision of the American people and not forcing America to go through another drawn out court battle like 2000 over provisional votes in Ohio that had virtually no chance of propelling him to victory.

            Speaking of 2000, many thought, my self included, that this election would end in recounts, charges of fraud, and court battles just like four years ago.   When several court decisions were made regarding challenging ballots and challengers at polling places just hours before the polls were set to open, many thought that we were about to get stuck in another boondoggle like 2000.  We were wrong.

            This election, speaking strictly about the election not the result, was a resounding success.  The mass challenges of voters in the precincts, broken voting machines, and the sheer chaos at the polls that was expected simply did not manifest.  Rather people voted in a civil manner and delivered their verdict.  We were expecting an election disaster and instead our biggest problem was long lines to vote.

            These long lines were unfortunate, but also are a good sign for the country.  People cared enough about this election to wait for extended periods of time in line to vote.   As I drove by various polling locations on my way to school yesterday morning, parking lots that are usually sparsely populated on Election Day were packed with people wanting to vote.  People were excited and passionate about this election and this is a great thing for our democracy.

            Many different aspects of this election were very encouraging. We had a record number of newly registered voters for this election.   More people cast ballots in this election than any other in American history.  Voter participation was nearly 60%, while still anemic, it trumps 2000 by 6%, 1996 by 11% and is the highest rate since 1968.   In Ohio, voter participation was even more impressive with a 70% rate and Hamilton County had a 73% rate.   While we still have work to do in getting more people to vote, this election shows that progress is being made and our democracy is getting stronger.

            One disappointing aspect of this election was the youth vote.  Many had expected that this would be the election where the youth vote would increase significantly because of youth get out the vote movements by celebrities and fears about the possibility for a draft.   Exit poll data indicates that the percentages of young people voting were unchanged from 2000.  However, not all news on the youth front was bad news.   At school, 86% of the students cast ballots in our mock election and while it was quite easy to do, it is still encouraging that students care enough to take the time to vote in a mock election.  Furthermore, many students wore campaign buttons or had signs on their lockers, a sign of at least some degree of interest.

            I know that if you are a Kerry supporter, you are extremely disappointed today.  Nothing I can write will make you feel better.  However, I hope you can take some solace in the fact that you still live in the greatest democratic experiment in the world.  In America we are free to criticize and critique the election process and take action through lawsuits.  Unlike many countries, Americans will accept this result and we do not need to worry about mass riots or any other sort of major unlawful behavior.  Accepting the result of an election is another pillar of American democracy.

            Some people will dismiss the entire foundation of this letter, that being American democracy, claiming we really aren’t democratic.  While that’s your prerogative, my mantra is that this is our time-tested system and in all likelihood will survive, so try to reform it rather than replace it. 

            Thanks for taking the time to read this letter.  

Benjamin van der Horst