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GPSolo Magazine

GPSolo September/October 2024: Election Law

Elections, Lawyers, and Lucky Number 19

Melody M Wilkinson

Summary

  • As members of the legal profession, particularly those of us in solo and small firm practices, we are uniquely positioned to be the guardians of our democratic principles.
  • In every election—whether it is for a local judge, a school board member, or the president—every vote counts, and every voter has the power to influence the outcome.
  • Let’s lead by example. Together, we can make a difference—not just in our courts and our practices but also in the governance of our nation.
Elections, Lawyers, and Lucky Number 19
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The number 19 has special meaning for me and my family. You may wonder, what is so special about the number 19? In mathematics, 19 is a prime number, meaning it has no divisors other than one and itself. In numerology, the number 19 is sometimes seen as significant and represents new beginnings, leadership, and independence. In tarot, the 19th card of the Major Arcana is “The Sun,” which often symbolizes success, vitality, and enlightenment. The number 19 is a magical number in the Dark Tower novels by Stephen King. Nineteen is the last number in the teens, which also reminds me of my twin daughters, Elizabeth and Emily. When Elizabeth and Emily were pre-teens and teens, they always sought to wear lucky jersey number 19 for their sports teams if the number was available. Why is this important? I invite you to continue reading to learn the answer.

Elections and Our Civic Duty as Lawyers

As I sit down to write this column and we begin our 2024–2025 bar year, I am grateful to GPSolo Magazine Editor-in-Chief Julie T. Houth, who has worked tirelessly along with Convening Issue Editors Randi B. Starrett and Lesly Longa Vaillancourt and the entire Editorial Board on this “Election Law” issue. This is a timely edition as Election Day draws near. At the time I write this column, the election process is already underway, with ballots having already been placed in the mail in several states; by the time you read this, early voting will likely have begun in several states. The upcoming elections serve as a powerful reminder of the critical role each of us plays in shaping the future, not only through our legal work but also through our civic duties. As members of the legal profession, particularly those of us in solo and small firm practices, we are uniquely positioned to be the guardians of our democratic principles. Our roles may vary, but the duty to uphold justice and the rule of law remains a constant thread that binds us together.

The right to vote is often hailed as the cornerstone of democracy. It is the mechanism through which power is transferred peacefully and through which legitimacy is conferred on our leaders. As attorneys, we understand the power of laws and the impact of governance on every aspect of life. Our votes and the votes of our clients, families, and communities determine the leaders who will shape policies, influence the judiciary, and make decisions that affect the very fabric of our society.

Beyond our professional obligations, there is also a broader civic responsibility that we, as lawyers, must embrace. Democracy does not sustain itself; it requires active participation and vigilance from all citizens, particularly those who understand the intricacies of the law. We must encourage our peers, our clients, and our communities to exercise their right to vote and to do so in an informed manner.

The Power of a Single Vote

In the realm of politics, where every decision has the potential to shape the future of a community, a single vote can carry immense weight. Sixteen years ago, this reality was dramatically highlighted when a primary runoff election for state district judge in Fort Worth, Texas, was won by a razor-thin margin of just 19 votes.

A campaign for a judicial position is a classic example of a race that often goes unnoticed by many voters. Judicial elections, often overshadowed by higher-profile races, sometimes struggle to capture the attention of the electorate. However, that 19-vote margin serves as a potent reminder of the power held by each individual vote.

That election also served as a broader lesson about the democratic process. In a world where voter turnout can be unpredictable and where many people may feel that their vote doesn’t make a difference, a razor-thin victory is a compelling argument against such skepticism. It reinforces the idea that in every election—whether it is for a local judge, a school board member, or the president—every vote counts, and every voter has the power to influence the outcome. The act of voting is a fundamental part of participating in the democratic process. It is a reminder that democracy is not a spectator sport; it requires active participation from all eligible voters. In any election, large or small, local or national, your vote is your voice—use it.

Oh, and if you’re wondering, my daughters wanted to wear lucky jersey number 19 for their sports teams because it was their mom who secured her party’s nomination by 19 votes.

Leading by Example

As Chair of the Solo, Small Firm and General Practice Division of the American Bar Association, I encourage each of you not only to exercise your right to vote but also to be a beacon of information and advocacy in your communities. Whether you practice in a solo firm or within a small group, your voice and leadership are vital to ensuring that the legal community remains engaged and informed.

This bar year is not just about addressing the immediate needs of our clients; it’s about looking forward to the kind of society we want to help build. It’s about making sure that the principles of justice, fairness, and equality under the law are upheld at every level of government. As we prepare for the challenges and opportunities of the coming year, I urge you to consider how you can contribute beyond your legal practice, whether by volunteering at polling stations, providing legal assistance to voters, or simply encouraging those around you to participate in the democratic process.

Our Division has always prided itself on being close to the communities that we serve. Let’s continue that tradition by leading by example. Engage in the election process, advocate for fair and just policies, and make sure that the voices of our clients and communities are heard loud and clear. Together, we can make a difference—not just in our courts and our practices but also in the governance of our nation. Here’s to a productive and impactful 2024–2025 bar year and to lucky number 19.

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