Letter: Join me in voting for Josh Riley in November

Conventional wisdom has it that most people won’t turn out to vote in a mid-term election year. Political scientists say that you’re likely to stay at home, because you don’t feel enough motivation to cast a vote. These expectations don’t sit right with me, because I know my neighbors, and I know that they care deeply about the issues we face. Among the issues that they care about most passionately is climate change.

This year, scientists are warning us that time is running out. If we don’t take strong action to fix the problems that contribute to climate change, very soon the climate will be beyond our control, leading to catastrophic consequences.

Sometimes, it seems like these problems are too big for us to do anything about. We feel powerless, but we’re not. This year, the 19th congressional district is one of the most competitive races in the country. The power is in our hands to change the direction of our entire nation.

In the past, Tompkins County has been represented by a politician in Congress who opposed efforts to take action on climate change. This year, we have the opportunity to vote for Josh Riley, a strong supporter of bold climate legislation that can make a real difference.

It’s a simple thing, a small action, to stand up and have your vote counted. Given what’s at stake, however, the impact of your vote has never been larger. Please, this year, be one of the people who defy the expectations. On Election Day, I’m going to cast a vote for Josh Riley. Will you join me?

Jonathan Cook
Ithaca