Note from the Editor: All content featured in the Nov. 6 issue of The Hawk was written, edited and sent to print on Nov. 4, prior to Election Day, Nov. 5.
On Nov. 5, millions of Americans stood in line and cast their ballots in one of the most consequential elections in recent memory. Today, many Americans will express their joy and relief that the incessant campaigning and vitriolic rhetoric has seemingly come to a close. In an atmosphere marred by increasing political violence and partisan animosity, this is understandable. But it shouldn’t overshadow the very real gift of a participatory democracy. Constant elections can be an annoyance, but the alternative is a possibility too frightening to even imagine.
The past few years have made it clear that democracy shouldn’t be taken for granted. The peaceful transition of power after a spirited campaign is the ideal for which we should strive. It’s become evident this isn’t a process that happens on its own; it requires the constant engagement and participation of every American. It’s up to the voters to thwart cynical attempts to disrupt this process while they still can. And though the guardrails of democratic norms have bent far beyond what any observer could have predicted, they haven’t broken. Your vote is still your voice.
Regardless of who is declared the victor in the numerous elections held throughout the nation, anything other than a peaceful transfer of power is fundamentally un-American and contradictory to our nation’s core values and history. It is incumbent upon every candidate to accept the will of the American people, win or lose, in victory or in defeat. Every individual engaged in the political process has the responsibility to honor this will. The zeal that all sides have for their elections stems from a deep and enduring belief in the promise of American ideals. As we close the page on an election cycle that has reminded us how we’re divided, let’s shift the focus to an area where we can recognize our commonality: upholding the promise of democracy.
