The blood of free men stains my ballot sheet.Whatever others may do, I shall not carelesslymake my mark. I vote not because I can, butbecause I must. Those who died for this, myvoice in my Government, had a right to expect that I would use it wisely, honestly, andcourageously. They did not die that blindpartisans, or the reckless, might make a gameof free elections. Only my secret heart knows whether I justify the definition of "Voter" as they wrote itin the reddening sand. If I love my country asthey did, I question my qualifications againand again. I carefully study the issues and candidatesto determine not what is best for me, but formy country. I will not be confused or deceived bypropaganda, slogans, or histrionics. I shieldmy eyes to the glitter of personalities, purgemy mind of passion and prejudice, andsearch diligently for the hidden truth. I mustbe free of all influence save conscience andjustice. I vote as if my ballot alone decided the contest. I may lose my preference, but I will notthrow away my sacred vote. For within thebooth I hold in my humble hand the livingproxy of all my country's honored dead.

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