Last night sitting and listening to the news where President Donald Trump and Elon Musk are indiscriminately closing critical agencies, laying off valuable federal workers and curtailing the ability of agencies to monitor illegal actions within the government and the public, my wife frustratingly asked me, “What can we, as average citizens, do to prevent these tragic actions from happening?”

That similar question is on the minds of all U.S. citizens who fear the direction this Trump regime is taking us. These concerned citizens are not only Kamala Harris supporters, but are many who voted for Trump.

My answer to my wife’s sincere question was “use the power of the vote.”

Our power comes from our ability to vote. Voting is the only way to turn this nation around.

Our power lies at the ballot box. We can and should be sure our voices are heard. We should support candidates who will stand up to Trump’s illegal executive orders and actions.

The candidate’s party should not matter. The candidate’s stand on protecting our rights and democratic values should be the defining reason for supporting that person.

Identify those candidates and do all you can do to elect them. Congressman John Joyce, we wonder where you stand?

My answer to my wife and all you frustrated citizens is to vote. Vote for candidates who stand for fairness, compassion, stability and the democratic values we so cherish. Be sure to register and vote. Our power to change things lies at the ballot box.

William J. Padamonsky Sr.

Duncansville