For better or worse, the 2022 election cycle is over. Nevada solidified its position as a “purple” state, not fully Republican and not fully Democrat. The Governor’s office will change hands with Joe Lombardo taking the reins from Steve Sisolak. On the other hand, Senator Cortez Masto held her seat against Adam Laxalt in a hotly contested race that came down to just a handful of votes. That race, in particular, is further proof that every vote counts.

Now that we all aren’t subjected to calls, text messages and emails from either pollsters, or politicians, every few minutes and as our roadways and airwaves clear of commercials, let’s take a moment to reflect on what we learned from this cycle.

First of all, according to the Secretary of State’s office, the total turnout for the general election in 2020 (2022 stats were unavailable as of press time) was just over 78 percent of active registered voters. This doesn’t include the tens of thousands of Nevadans that have either registered and don’t vote or never bothered to register in the first place. When you take into account that presidential election years typically have a higher voter turnout than midterms, it’s safe to say that the results of the ’22 election, and the future of our state was not even close to being representative of all citizens. I find this offensive. I believe the best way we can honor the men and women that have fought and died for our freedoms, is to exercise those freedoms.

Whether you agree with the current voting system or not, we can all agree that it’s gotten easier to vote and there’s simply no excuse not to cast your ballot. So, to those that voted, THANK YOU! And, to those that didn’t bother to voice their opinion this election, I hope they consider doing so in the future. Until then, please don’t complain about the candidates that were elected by those that cared enough to get out and make their voice heard.

This election cycle was interesting for a number of reasons, notably in the groups that became engaged on both sides of the aisle. The spotlight was on Nevada, since outcomes from the Silver State have a huge effect on national politics. For that reason, among others, Nevada hosted former Presidents Trump and Obama, current President Biden, and individuals from all spectrums of the political arena. They came in droves to stump for their preferred candidates.

And, as always, distasteful displays, classless allegations and outright lies were flung from both sides of the aisle. Most voters just didn’t know who, or what, to believe. We all had first row seats to any number of political fundraisers and rallies; some tasteful, and some not so much. In one “get out the vote” event to promote the passage of Question 1, or the “Equal Rights Amendment”, Planned Parenthood hosted a drag show in northern Nevada. While we’ve seen drag shows pop up around the country to promote various causes, it gives me pause. How does the blatant sexualized dancing of a man in women’s clothes motivate people to vote? I don’t know about you, but I believe we all need to take our right to vote serious and lose the sideshow antics.

CALL TO ACTION: This election cycle, like so many before it, is a good time to remember why we vote our values. Thank God we still live in a democracy that allows us a say in our government. But we must be careful to protect that right. The old saying “use it or lose it” is relevant when it comes to voting. Be sure you have your say through community involvement, regular voting and political service, if you’re called to it. Speak up for your country before we no longer recognize where we came from.

By Whose Authority?

For more information on my Commentary and to see some of my backup research, or if you wonder why I take the position I take, go to www.LyleBrennan.com.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV) “If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”