She's in her early 30s and polishes nails on the side for cigarette money. Grateful for the services and programs from government and local agencies, she's a local, single mother who doesn't vote. In fact, she's never voted in her life and isn't bothered by her record. She believes that her voice doesn't count in the larger picture of electing people to run our city.

She also believes a lot of the "politicians suck" and it doesn't make a difference because they keep getting re-elected.

"What's the use, when they yes you to death and then after they get elected, they forget how to return your phone calls," she said. I asked her if she even knew who was running? Not really, she replied, plus she's got other stuff going on today that's more important.

It was early afternoon when I went to my friendly precinct. I was the 67th registered voter to fill in the little circles next to the candidates' names and pass my ballot through the machine. The mother who never voted told me that mostly old people vote because they don't want to lose their Social Security and Medicare, and when I turned it around and asked if she wasn't worried about losing her welfare benefits, she said no because the government has made a business out of it.

She fed me a dose of what some in our city perceive as reality. She also reminded me why seasoned politicians only spend time and money on the people who have a proven record of voting often.

See you on November 5.

Phil Paleologos is the host of The Phil Paleologos Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Contact him at phil@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @PhilPaleologos. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.

 

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