What to make of the election of Montana Republican Greg Gianforte to Congress? Either the body slam constituency is higher than thought in that Trump-red state or the sword of early voting flashed its other edge.
In the case of the latter, two-thirds of the electorate voted early. Thus, no chance to rethink in the wake of a last-minute assault charge against Gianforte for attacking a journalist who was nagging him about the GOP’s health care plan. No chance to fully evaluate how a would-be congressman might handle pressure and stress. At least newspapers can–and several did–change their endorsements.
But there’s something else about not voting early if it’s not absolutely necessary. It’s a chance to share in an important, communal ritual that is rapidly eroding.
We don’t do enough as a community beyond concerts and games. We’re so wired. In-person communication is no longer a priority–or necessity–when texting and Facetiming are available.
And when it comes to politics, we keep building our walls. We self-select our favorite partisan media and opt for events with like-minded camaraderie. More conservative or liberal neighbors rarely have to mix except for cameos at awkward cocktail parties.
But showing up in person to vote on the same day: That matters at a gut, patriotic level. Turning out to collectively celebrate that we live in a country where, if we take our privilege/duty seriously, we can determine our own destiny. We have something important in common, we need to remind ourselves, regardless of candidate lawn signs.