Even while enjoying the Lake County Fair, there was still room for some serious thought by fairgoers.

Four hundred and eight persons participated in an informal poll offered at the Lake County Democrats’ Booth.

Participants were asked what issues motivate them to register and vote. They were then asked to cast three votes, one for each of their top three issues from 13 offered.

As a volunteer staffing the booth, it was gratifying to see that participants took their time and considered the issues before casting their votes.

In an era where increasing voter apathy is seen as a threat to our democracy, the issues that affect peoples’ daily lives will hopefully bring them to the polls in November.

Some people promote the idea that “if voting mattered, they wouldn’t let you do it.”

If that is true, then why is voter suppression so rampant in some states, and targeted at specific neighborhoods and populations”

Those who would suppress the vote are the very people who know that your individual vote does matter and can result in change.

Here is what mattered to 408 individuals who took time for some serious thought at the fair.

Reproductive rights including abortion: 214
Affordable housing: 153
Climate change: 147
Universal health care: 132
Sensible gun laws: 120
Threats to democracy: 97
Jobs and economy: 93
Immigration: 86
Inflation: 78
Crime: 61
Equality: 58
Education: 53
Infrastructure: 31

Mary Borjon lives in Kelseyville, California.