We cannot have free government without elections – A. Lincoln

During the U.S. Civil War, there were some who advised Abraham Lincoln to postpone the 1864 election. He refused to do so, saying:

We cannot have free government without elections; and if the rebellion could force us to forego, or postpone a national election, it might fairly claim to have already conquered and ruined us.

Lincoln forged ahead in 1864 despite his belief that he would lose the upcoming presidential election in November; he insisted the democratic process was what they were fighting for, and that the election would continue as planned.

Lincoln was so convinced he would lose reelection that on August 23, 1864, he wrote what has become known as the “blind memorandum:”

This morning, as for some days past, it seems exceedingly probable that this Administration will not be re-elected. Then it will be my duty to so co-operate with the President elect, as to save the Union between the election and the inauguration; as he will have secured his election on such ground that he cannot possibly save it afterward.

He folded the memorandum in half, asked each member of his perplexed cabinet to sign the back without reading it, then put it away for safekeeping.

The election went ahead as planned. Thousands of troops were able to vote, some by being allowed to return to their home states to cast a ballot, while some were able to vote for the first time in the field (in a sense, the first “mail-in” ballots). In the end, Lincoln won 55 percent of the popular vote (with only northern states voting, of course) to 45 percent for McClellan. The electoral vote was even more decisive: 212 for Lincoln and 21 for McClellan. Lincoln won 22 of the 25 northern states and was reelected in a landslide.

And yet, consider the fact that 45% of the Union voted for the party that was calling the war a failure, would immediately declare “peace,” dismember the Union, and perpetuate slavery. In short, a party treasonous to the Constitution and to the people of the nation. Nearly half the country voted against the country.

As I write this, the United States is only a few days from election day in the 2024 presidential election. Early voting has started and over 60 million people have cast their ballots. On Tuesday, millions more will vote. Voting is a responsibility that all Americans must take seriously. Everyone has both the right and the obligation to vote. We must vote.

As in 1864, the 2024 election again pits those who would protect the Constitution and the Union versus those who promise to violate the Constitution and have done so repeatedly in the past. This election is for those who believe the Constitution applies to ALL Americans, against those who believe it only applies to some of us. One party works to address issues through policy discussion, the other denies reality and spews falsehoods, insults, and violence. The choice is clear. Americanism or Fascism.

We don’t all have to agree on policy proposals. Real parties – and real Americans – acknowledge realities and work to find solutions. If we don’t like a proposal, we counter-propose and work toward solving the problem. Voting for saving democracy gives us the opportunity to negotiate the path forward. Voting to save democracy ensures the freedoms of all Americans. Conversely, voting to elevate authoritarianism and government of, by, and for a handful of billionaires is destroying democracy. It’s destroying America.

I voted early for Kamala Harris. It is the only choice to ensure the continuation of what Abraham Lincoln – and George Washington – fought so hard to create and defend.

Lincoln reminded us that:

“we cannot escape history. We…will be remembered in spite of ourselves…The fiery trial through which we pass will light us down in honor or dishonor to the latest generation.”

Vote for honor. Vote for Democracy.