The number “one” can definitely make a difference in many things in our lives.  When one is involved in any sport they know the value of one.  One run in baseball,  one point in basketball and football.  Even one tenth of an ounce in a fishing contest is a big deal.  When a student takes an exam, one point can cause him/her to pass or fail a class.

   Exceeding the speed limit by even one mile can be very costly.  Being late to “punch in” can put one among the ranks of the  unemployed.

   Near “Election” time one can also grasp why one vote can be very important.  In the Unites States most of our states did not permit a woman to vote until the 19th Amendment to the Constitution in 1920.  Even American Indians did not receive voting privileges until 1948.

   According to the Huntington, WV Dispatch on April 4, 2002; Page 8-A the following took place.

   In 1649, one vote cost King Charles I of England his head (67 to 68).

            In 1776, one vote gave America the English language instead of German.

            In 1867, the Alaska Purchase was ratified by just one vote.

            In 1875, a one vote margin changed France from a monarchy to a republic. 

            In 1923, one vote gave Adolph Hitler leadership of the Nazi Party.

            In 1941, the Selective Service Act (The Military Draft) was saved by one vote just weeks prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor (December 7, 1941).

            In 1960, John F. Kennedy overcame Richard Nixon in the Presidential race by less than one vote per precinct.

            In 1962, the governors of Maine, Rhode Island and North Dakota were all elected by one vote per precinct. 

   The states of Texas, California, Washington, and Idaho were all admitted to the Union by one vote.

      As a privileged citizen to the greatest nation on the globe, we owe it to ourselves and our country to get out and vote.  One should never miss an election on purpose.  Proverbs 14:34 “Righteousness exalts a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people”.   

KYOWVA  Evangelistic Association * 1541 S. 7th Street * Ironton, OH   45638