As you prepare to vote, remember this

As you prepare to vote, remember this: a natural aristocracy of good character and real ability exists among us. These people, not the wealthy or well-born, are best suited to lead. Free elections by ordinary citizens are the safest way to choose them.

Do not vote mainly for money, family name, or fame. That creates an artificial aristocracy that harms government. Enough of the wealthy will still reach office to protect their interests. Giving any group special power only makes it easier for them to do harm. Our existing branches of government can already check one another.

Judge candidates by honesty, proven skill, sound judgment, and respect for equal rights. Most of the time, free citizens can tell the capable from the merely privileged. Wealth and birth may sometimes mislead, but not enough to threaten the country if people stay alert and elections stay open.

This requires an educated public that knows history, understands government, and thinks clearly. Support education that finds talent and character from every background.

Vote with care. Look at records and principles, not slogans. Choose those who serve the common good, not special interests or connections. That is how you keep privilege in check and place the truly able in office.

The equal rights we hold require us to trust talents tested by the vote, not systems of lasting privilege.

I hope your choices show that free citizens can govern themselves.