Long Term Lehigh County Voters Honored

As citizens of the United States of America, we have the RIGHT to vote. That is to say, we have the right to choose the way we would like to vote, but we also have the right to choose whether we even vote at all. Some citizens take this right very seriously, as do the recipients of a very prestigious honor - the inductees into the Pennsylvania Voter Hall of Fame.

Only United Citizens who have voted for 50 consecutive years are eligible for this honor. Yes, you heard correctly - 50 consecutive years. “To be inducted, an inductee had to vote in 50 consecutive November Elections.” tells us Timothy Benyo from Lehigh County Elections and Voter Registration, “If they missed one November Election they would be disqualified. Their work, family, health or weather didn’t keep them from casting their vote. You know Pennsylvania winters can be pretty nasty!” Now that is a serious commitment!

Mary Carl is a Coopersburg resident who began voting when she was 21 years old, which was the legal age to vote in 1956. “It is a privilege we have and we should all take advantage of it.” Mary feels that we have a say in our government, no matter how small it may be, and we should exercise our freedom to vote. She has voted in every single election that she has been eligible to vote for. Ms. Carl attended the Pennsylvania Voter Hall of Fame ceremony for Lehigh County on September 27th with her daughter, Deb Carl.

“I was really impressed with how many people were there,” Deb relayed. She loved the energy of the event. Some of her mother’s neighbors were there - at least four residents within a mile radius - which really added to the community feeling. “Her children and grandsons are all so proud of her!”

Out of the 26 Hall of Famers from Cooperburg, Upper Saucon and Lower Milford, Mary was one of twelve to attend the event. Also in attendance was Dean Eck from Coopersburg. Dean has been voting for 52 years because it was instilled in him at a very early age. When he was young, if he didn’t stand for the Pledge of Allegiance or the National Anthem, his parents would pull him up by his ears. He says that his parents taught him patriotism. “Lessons like that just aren’t taught anymore.” “It’s your right [to vote] and it’s what you should do. Be thankful you live in the United States.”

Dean attended the luncheon with his wife, Anita. “It was very nice.” Honorable Don Cunningham, Lehigh County Executive presided and Secretary of the Commonwealth, Carol Aichele gave a speech stating that the last ceremony had been held in 1999. Don was happy to see his long-time friend Gene Shaeffer with his wife Joyce at the event. Gene, who was born and raised in Coopersburg, now resides in Allentown.

The Pennsylvania Voter Hall of Fame ceremony for Lehigh County was sponsored by United States Congressman Charles Dent, State Senator Pat Browne and State Representative Gary Day. Over 700 voters were inducted with over 400 people in attendance at the luncheon. Tim Bento felt that the event went very well. “That generation is something special. Everyone was so appreciative when it should have been the other way. It was a great day.”