Election day Quote by Lawrence Lessig
““But sometimes they're just oblivious, and their obliviousness brings out the worst in me. I remember once talking to one about the principle of 'one person, one vote' -- the Supreme Court's doctrine that forces states to ensure the weight one person's vote is equal to the weight of everyone else's. He had done work early in his career to push that principle along, and considered it, as he told me, 'among the most important values now written into our Constitution.' 'Isn't it weird then', I asked hime, 'that the law would obsess about making sure that on Election Day, my vote is just as powerful as yours, but stand blind to the fact that in the days before Election Day, because of your wealth, your ability to affect that election is a million times greater than mine?' My friend -- or at least friend until that moment -- didn't say a word.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on political inequality, 2015
The quote highlights the paradox of legal equality in voting versus economic inequality that skews political influence.
In simple terms: Legal vote equality hides real power gaps caused by wealth.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and address economic influence on politics.
Themes
political equality
economic disparity
democracy
justice
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
analytical
reflective
When to use this quote
- campaign financing
- policy advocacy
- public awareness
- grassroots organizing
Key Concepts
voting rights
wealth influence
constitutional law
Questions to Reflect On
- How does wealth affect political power?
- What reforms can reduce economic influence on elections?
A Different Perspective
Legal equality alone cannot fix power imbalances.
![“Ohioans know that he inherited a mess and created a surplus. So, on election day, John [Kasich] will prevail in Ohio.” quote by Tom Ridge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c18/tom-ridge-24834_election_ohioans-know-that-he-inherited-a-mess-an_157997.jpg)
