My first election was 1972. I voted for Peace. The name of the candidate was George McGovern. I’ve never regretted that vote.

Half a century and many elections later, I’m voting for Justice. The name of the candidate is Bernie Sanders. I don’t think I’ll regret that vote, but of course I can’t be sure.

My vote for George McGovern was never in doubt, even though it was clear he would lose by a landslide. How could I not vote for Peace?

I’m older now and I overthink every decision, including the decision to vote for Bernie. I don’t know how the 2020 election will turn out.  But how can I not vote for Justice?

Only once or twice in a lifetime

Usually people vote for a candidate, sometimes we vote for a political party.

How often does the chance come along to vote for a principle? Or a movement? The Civil Rights Movement, or the Peace Movement. Something you believe in.

With a lifetime of elections behind me, when I get a chance to vote for a principle or a movement that I believe in, I’m going for it! This chance might never come around again. Not for me, not for America.

It’s not about a candidate

We each get one vote only. It’s a right and honor to stand up for what we believe. Doing so, we accept our share of risk and responsibility, not knowing what lies ahead. We do what we believe is right.

I’m voting for Bernie Sanders, but really, I’m voting for what he stands for.

Justice is what he stands for. Social and economic justice. And like McGovern, he stands for Peace.

It’s not complicated. Look at Bernie’s core issues, health care for everyone and taxing the rich. If that’s not Justice, I don’t know what is.

Bernie is also opposed to war. So I’m maintaining consistency from 1972 to 2020. Then I was young in Maryland, now I’m old in Florida.

Today I stood up again, after all these years, and voted for Justice and Peace. My vote is in the mail. It will be among the first to be counted in the Florida Democratic primary March 17.

— John Hayden