The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-11
SERVICE AND ITS
 RELATION TO THE BALLOT
Social Service Department By MRS. SIDNEY NJ. ULLMAN

Few men realize the great weapon for service they have in the ballot. Usually the vote means only a desire to further the interests of an individual or to advance themselves, the oppor- tunity for good that can be accom- plished seldom enters into the question. Not long ago man in speaking of elections in general and one in particu- lar said. "No gentleman enters poli- ties" and he echoed the idea of what politics means to him. Politics should be the furthering of the highest office possible, entered into by the most ad- vanced thinkers for the uplift and serv- ice they might do for the state.
 In the advance of social education the science of government rests upon the highest possible ethical plane. The duties of office, no matter how lowly, are to be exercised for the benefit of society, and the man not capable of filling the office with this idea in mind is unfit for it.
 In using the franchise the power to enact laws for the benefit of the peo- pie is in the hands of the people, The ballot is misused when it works for the political advancement only, and not for the power of good.
 Many states are enacting splendid laws through the voice of the people, a demand for the best for the state can only be granted lien we consider the strength of the voting public
 For instance. the enactment of laws beneficial to the children of this or any other community must come through the ballot, the individual voice of each for the benefit of all. Surely this voting g becomes 8 moral obligation. and yet. here in Alabama, one out of every five men only use their right of franchise.
 Possibly because it is such a coveted right, women are much more keen1y appreciative of the strength of the vote. Possibly because they have as yet not become indifferent to the use of the ballot that they would use it's power in the enactment of proper laws.
 At least where they are allowed to vote they put the social problem first and the man after.
 Chicago. with it's civic progress. it's fine laws enacted for the good of the people, is concrete example of the benefit of the conscientious and proper use of the vote.
 Until the women of Alabafna have a right to voice in the affairs of the state it is to be hoped the men of Ala bama will appreciate their obligation to the state by exercising the right to vote to further the interests of the public.
 They have made the women of Ala bama helpless and silent by denying them the voice and 1t is up to them to speak for the women (since they be- lieve they are able to) in the most con scientious way with regard to the things that vitally effect the women and children, and. in speaking, remem- Der that social service should be the watchword
 The question is asked: How can I best serve my state?" and the answer is, by voting for the best measures pos sible. for the good of the community, and then by seeing that the laws are enforced and effectual.
 Through education and endeavor we work up sentiment and wait for the chance to put into active operation a re- form that is recognized as a benefit to society. then before it can be used for the benefit of all. it must meet with the approval of all. This conclusion is sup posed to be reached through the ballot The importance of the vote cannot be denied. the importance of the new re-