11/02/2026
“We do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.”
— Thomas Jefferson
As Election Day approaches on November 3rd, I remind every Hibernian that our obligations as Americans go beyond simply honoring our flag, our veterans, and our heritage. They include remembering what that flag stands for, what those veterans fought for, and why our ancestors came to this country and helped build this nation. We honor them by exercising the rights and accepting the responsibilities of citizenship.
Our AOH Constitution explicitly identifies “to encourage civic participation” as one of the purposes of our Order. Those words are not window dressing. They represent a commitment we make as Hibernians.
I am not asking you to vote for any particular party or candidate. I am asking you to vote and to encourage others to do the same.
Yes, even those who disagree with you. Democracy works best when every effort is made to ensure that every voice is heard.
Voting is not equally easy for everyone. An elderly neighbor may need a ride. Someone with a disability may need assistance. A first-time voter may need help finding their polling place.
Make the call. Offer the ride. Help someone vote.
Finally, a word about Facebook and social media.
We have no shortage of people eager to express their outrage about politics online. But posting complaints is no substitute for participating in democracy. If you cannot be bothered to vote but are the first to complain on Facebook about the results the next day, there is a word for that: hypocrisy.
On November 4th, when the results are in, those who have won are our elected representatives, whether we voted for them or not. They work for us, whether we supported them or not. Disengagement because an elected official is “not your guy” is not a matter of principle; it is a surrender to apathy.
Our Irish ancestors understood the power of the ballot. Denied political equality for generations in Ireland, they came to America and used their votes to demand representation and build political influence. They did not change America by standing on the sidelines. They participated, organized, and voted. That is a heritage worth both honoring and reclaiming.
On November 3rd, let us demonstrate that the Ancient Order of Hibernians does more than honor the past. We fulfill our responsibilities in the present and recognize our obligations to future generations.
Vote. Encourage others to vote. Help someone who needs assistance to vote. Not because we all agree, but because we are Americans, and the right to vote is fundamental to the democracy we have inherited and are responsible for preserving.
In Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity,
Neil F. Cosgrove
National Political Education Chair
