South Platte Sentinel Wednesday, July 1, 2015 Page 10 Opinion Voting at base of Democracy Recorder's Notes By Pam Bacon In honor of Independence Day I thought a little history would be fitting. Voting rights in the United States have been contentious over the country’s history. Eligibility to vote in the U.S. is determined by both Federal and State law. Currently, only citizens can vote in U.S. elections. Absent of federal law or con- stitutional amendment, each State is given considerable discretion to establish qualifications within their own jurisdiction. Federal role in elections has increased through amendments and enacted legislation, such as the Voting Rights Act. The following gives background on the struggle we as Americans have endured to get this privilege: •In 1776 when this country announced its independence from Britain, voting rights were based on property ownership. This typically meant that those voting were white males over the age of 21 •1787 in the newly drafted constitution, states were given the power to set voting mandates and most were still favorable to white males that owned property •1830 many states had dropped religion and property ownership as requirements for voting with a large percentage of the population voting at the polls •1868 the 14 th Amendment recognizes African Americans as citizens, giving them the right to vote. However, state officials continue attempts to deny this right •1870 African Americans were given the right to vote in the 15 th Amendment. It prohibited any state or local government from denying that right •1890 Wyoming becomes the first state to recognize women’s right to vote and provide for it in a state constitution •1920 the 19 th Amendment was added to the constitution, giving women across the nation the right to vote •1940 Congress recognizes Native Americans as citizens. However it wasn’t until 1947 that all states granted them the right to vote •1964 the 24 th Amendment de- clares that no person should be denied the right to vote because they cannot pay a “poll tax.” •1965 an amendment to the Voting Rights Act bans the use of literacy tests, poll taxes and other obstacles designed to keep people from voting •1971 the voting age is lowered to 18. Voting is a privilege and should be taken very seriously. There have been many steps taken to ensure that everyone who is eligible to vote has the right to exercise their freedom to do so. To provide fair and open elections is the very basis to making sure that we honor the ideal of “one-person-one-vote.” It is about defending a right that is at the very foundation of Democracy. Listed above are some very good examples of why we should exercise our voting privilege and vote in every election that we are eligible to do so because every election is important or else we would not have one. Please exercise your right to vote! The Election and Recording Department can be reached at 970-522-1544 for voter and election questions or recording information. The Motor Vehicle Department can be reached at 970-522-1158 for license plates/renewals or titling a vehicle. Our office can also be reached by e-mail at baconp@logancountyco. gov or like us on Facebook at Logan County Elections. (Pamela Bacon is the Logan County Clerk and Recorder.) Rob and Rosie Nichols are pleased to announce the engagement of their son, Nathan Nichols, to Amanda Larson, daughter of Daryl and Jody Larson of Alvarado, Minn. Amanda is a graduate of Warren High School in Warren, Minn., Evangel University in Springfield, Mo., and Rocky Vista University, College of Osteopathic Medicine, in Parker. She is in her third year of family medicine residency at North Colorado Family Medicine in Greeley. Nathan is a graduate of Sterling High School and Mesa State College in Grand Junction. He has completed the master in economics program at the University of Colorado/Denver, and is currently a budget and policy analyst for the State of Colorado. Amanda is the granddaughter of Jeannie Anderson and the late Aldon Larson, and Chuck and Betty East. Nathan is the grandson of Nancy and the late John Nichols and Freda and the late Lee Kunau. The couple is planning a July 2015 wedding. The annual Kid’s Pet Show, sponsored by the City of Sterling Recreation Division and Cher’s Pet Shop, is Sat., July 18. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and the show will begin at 10 a.m. at Propst Park. There is no fee to enter. Kids showing pets must be 2-18-years-old. Parents can pre- register their child and pet by filling out an entry form prior to the event or forms are available at the Sterling Recreation Center, 808 Elm St. or at Cher’s Pet Shop, 415 N. Front St. Categories include: Smallest Pet, Best Dressed, Most Friendly, Best Agility, Adorably Cute, Best Trick, Least Motivated, Most Exotic and Pet/Owner Look-a-Like. Dogs and cats must be on a leash and have proper immunizations. Winners in each division will compete for “Over All Best of Show.” Inclement weather date will be Sun., July 19 with registration at 4 p.m. and the show beginning at 4:30 p.m. at Propst Park. For additional information, con- tact the Sterling Recreation Division at 970-522-7883. Annual Kid's Pet Show is Sat., July 18
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South Platte Sentinel Wednesday, July 1, 2015 Page 10 OpinionVoting at base of Democracy
Recorder's Notes
ByPamBacon
In honor of Independence Day I thought a little history would be fi tting. Voting rights in the United States have been contentious over the country’s history. Eligibility to vote in the U.S. is determined by both Federal and State law. Currently, only citizens can vote in U.S. elections. Absent of federal law or con-stitutional amendment, each State is given considerable discretion to establish qualifi cations within their own jurisdiction. Federal role in elections has increased through amendments and enacted legislation, such as the Voting Rights Act. The following gives background on the struggle we as Americans have endured to get this privilege: •In 1776 when this country announced its independence from Britain, voting rights were based on property ownership. This typically meant that those voting were white males over the age of 21 •1787 in the newly drafted constitution, states were given the power to set voting mandates and most were still favorable to white males that owned property •1830 many states had dropped religion and property ownership as requirements for voting with a large percentage of the population voting at the polls •1868 the 14th Amendment recognizes African Americans
as citizens, giving them the right to vote. However, state offi cials continue attempts to deny this right •1870 African Americans were given the right to vote in the 15th Amendment. It prohibited any state or local government from denying that right •1890 Wyoming becomes the fi rst state to recognize women’s right to vote and provide for it in a state constitution •1920 the 19th Amendment was added to the constitution, giving women across the nation the right to vote •1940 Congress recognizes Native Americans as citizens. However it wasn’t until 1947 that all states granted them the right to vote •1964 the 24th Amendment de-clares that no person should be denied the right to vote because they cannot pay a “poll tax.” •1965 an amendment to the Voting Rights Act bans the use of literacy tests, poll taxes and other obstacles designed to keep people
from voting •1971 the voting age is lowered to 18. Voting is a privilege and should be taken very seriously. There have been many steps taken to ensure that everyone who is eligible to vote has the right to exercise their freedom to do so. To provide fair and open elections is the very basis to making sure that we honor the ideal of “one-person-one-vote.” It is about defending a right that is at the very foundation of Democracy. Listed above are some very good examples of why we should exercise our voting privilege and vote in every election that we are eligible to do so because every election is important or else we would not have one. Please exercise your right to vote! The Election and Recording Department can be reached at 970-522-1544 for voter and election questions or recording information. The Motor Vehicle Department can be reached at 970-522-1158 for license plates/renewals or titling a vehicle. Our offi ce can also be reached by e-mail at [email protected] or like us on Facebook at Logan County Elections. (Pamela Bacon is the Logan County Clerk and Recorder.)
Rob and Rosie Nichols are pleased to announce the engagement of their son, Nathan Nichols, to Amanda Larson, daughter of Daryl and Jody Larson of Alvarado, Minn. Amanda is a graduate of Warren High School in Warren, Minn., Evangel University in Springfi eld, Mo., and Rocky Vista University, College of Osteopathic Medicine, in Parker. She is in her third year of family medicine residency at North Colorado Family Medicine in Greeley. Nathan is a graduate of Sterling High School and Mesa State College in Grand Junction. He has completed the master in economics program at the University of Colorado/Denver, and is currently a budget and policy analyst for the State of Colorado. Amanda is the granddaughter of Jeannie Anderson and the late Aldon Larson, and Chuck and Betty East. Nathan is the grandson of Nancy and the late John Nichols and Freda and the late Lee Kunau. The couple is planning a July 2015 wedding.
The annual Kid’s Pet Show, sponsored by the City of Sterling Recreation Division and Cher’s Pet Shop, is Sat., July 18. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and the show will begin at 10 a.m. at Propst Park. There is no fee to enter. Kids showing pets must be 2-18-years-old. Parents can pre-register their child and pet by fi lling
out an entry form prior to the event or forms are available at the Sterling Recreation Center, 808 Elm St. or at Cher’s Pet Shop, 415 N. Front St. Categories include: Smallest Pet, Best Dressed, Most Friendly, Best Agility, Adorably Cute, Best Trick, Least Motivated, Most Exotic and Pet/Owner Look-a-Like. Dogs and cats must be on a leash
and have proper immunizations. Winners in each division will compete for “Over All Best of Show.” Inclement weather date will be Sun., July 19 with registration at 4 p.m. and the show beginning at 4:30 p.m. at Propst Park. For additional information, con-tact the Sterling Recreation Division at 970-522-7883.
Annual Kid's Pet Show is Sat., July 18
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