Vote, exercise your constitutional duty

In deciding how to cast a vote for both houses of Congress, I suggest that we all look to the Constitution as our guide. Remember that the three branches of government, the executive, legislative and judicial branches were designed to put a check on each other.

In deciding for whom you shall cast your vote, ask yourself how seriously the members of Congress have taken this responsibility. The impeachment hearing in the House of Representatives is one example of a check on the power of the presidency. Good job to the Democratic-led House of Representatives who did their duty by conducting a hearing.

The same cannot be said of the Republican-led Senate who failed to call any witnesses in the impeachment trial. They did not do their constitutional duty, but instead worked to secure their party's power over the Democratic Party.

More recently, the Republican members of Congress voice almost no concern that the president appears to be leading the country under the influence of mind-altering COVID-19 treatment drugs. They have voiced no concern over the danger he presents to other members of the government in his refusal to self-quarantine or consistently use face masks. Trump is a major security risk to the nation. Why won't his party lift a finger to balance his power? That is their job.

Vote now. Vote every two years. Vote to remove the incompetent. Vote to remove the dishonest. Vote to remove those who ignore their very basic duties to defend the Constitution and put a check on the power of the executive branch. Voting is our way of checking the power of the government and it is our duty.

Kathleen Mayschak

Palatine