Published 7:21 am Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Cynicism may be one of the biggest threat to democracy. So, in this upcoming general election, please vote. The political theory referred to as Condorcet’s Jury Theorem argues that as you increase the number of people voting in a political election, the probability that a correct decision will be made goes up. Do not be misguided by those who encourage you not to vote under the guise of what they call “undervoting” or “withholding your vote.” This policy is non-progressive, undemocratic and unpatriotic. By not voting or undervoting, you cede control to others. On Nov. 3rd, you will be able to choose your representatives and judge the merits of various ballot measures such as the flawed Measure 9-185 that would gerrymander the Deschutes County Commission and deprive you from voting for all five county commissioners rather than only being able to vote for only one from your proposed district.

Why does participation matter?…