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To the Editor:

Midterm elections are but a few weeks away.

Nov. 8th is a chance for us to choose those we want  to represent our interests and address our concerns. At this point we should be asking ourselves where and when to vote, not whether to vote.

Statistics state that a large percentage of younger voters are planning not to vote. Their reasons: candidates do not represent them and present policies don’t feel relevant to them. They see the two parties as ineffective and more interested in maintaining power than making policies that address the issues and challenges that are important.

I am a senior citizen and member of AARP and find this very disturbing. While many of the policies and issues I am concerned about appear to be particularly relevant to the elderly, they speak to the health of our nation as a whole. Issues such as Social Security and Medicare, long term care facilities and available and affordable insurance to access it, livable compensation for employees are all essential for us to maintain a healthy society.

Our vote is our voice. If we don’t use it we won’t be heard. If we are not heard how will our needs and challenges be addressed. The process can be frustrating but is essential. We vote for the present and the future. What better investment is there.

Everyone is urged to exercise their right to vote. Not voting does not make a statement. It’s giving away power that can make a difference.

To learn more you can go to AARP.org/CT.Votes. By texting CTVOTES to 22777 you can receive up-to-the-minute information on voting issues such as voting locations, necessary IDs. Also, absentee ballots are available for many of us.

However you do it …VOTE!!!

Ellen Thomas
West Hartford