One Vote: Make Your Vote Heard

by Ben Carson, Candy Carson (Contributor)

Discover the True Power of the Ballot

The vast majority of Americans feel that our nation is moving in the wrong direction, but we feel powerless to do anything about it. Maybe, that’s why in the presidential election of 2012, more people did not vote than voted for either candidate. We, the people, must realize we hold the power through our one vote. If we do not exercise that power, we have no right to complain!

In One Vote, Dr. Ben Carson makes an urgent, nonpartisan, and unbiased plea for every American citizen to exercise the power of their vote in every election. This convenient and easy-to-use book will give you everything you need to become an informed voter. After reading this book, you will know how to ask the right questions about candidates, parties, and voting records; find the candidates and political parties that coincide with your values; locate your own senator and congressman; request information from your representatives; discover what bills your representatives have sponsored; and uncover how your representatives have voted in the past.

One Vote can help you make sure your voice is heard.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics

112 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Benjamin Solomon "Ben" Carson, Sr., M.D. is an American neurosurgeon and the Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States by President George W. Bush in 2008.

Reviews

[Kyle Nicholas · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was outright wrong practically from page one. First of all, he claims that he showed up to a polling place just a few moments before closing and was turned away after the stroke of eight p.m. I worked as a poll book judge, one of the paid employees who worked for my county's election system. I know for a fact that poll judges CANNOT turn away a voter, even if she or he turns up at 7:59:59. If he or she demands to vote, tired as we are, we MUST allow the voter to vote. This author was right on one thing: his Constitutional rights had been violated. If poll judges refuse your vote on election day, call the police, because your most basic fundamental American rights are being violated. If you want to vote, you can vote.

However, I could not get past the third chapter. First off, his claim that Fox News is "fair and balanced" about who they invite on may be accurate, but notice what he says about "inviting on." He says nothing at all about how "fair and balanced" they are about the information they disseminate, nor about how accurately they portray the liberal pundits they wrangle onto their shows. Fox News is known to be a slanderous talk-box of outright propaganda. It is responsible for handing elections to right-wing extremists known as the Tea Party... a minority who have alienated all properly thinking Republicans and run on a straight ticket to oppose a middle-of-the-road president simply because he is not white.

Secondly, he claims that the First Amendment says that we have the right to practice religion, but not the right to be free from it. On the contrary, the First Amendment says that Congress shall not establish religion nor prohibit the free practice thereof. Therefore, it says that the government has NO SAY WHATSOEVER in the practice of religion. The government is neither religious nor atheistic. It is neutral; there is a big difference between the concepts.

That is as far as I could get. This little book was a big disappointment. I did enjoy its admonishment to the people to educate themselves, to read at least half an hour a day (if not more,) and its premise to exercise your lawfully given right to vote is a strong and resounding one. But clearly the author cannot say anything bad about his erstwhile employer, Fox News, and obviously believes that this country has been founded on Christian principles. It is not. Give this book a miss, or take it with a huge grain of salt, and pick up something better.

[Larry Killion · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have liked Dr. Ben Carson from the very first time I heard him speak at the Prayer Breakfast in Washington D.C. When he criticized the "Affordable Care Act" with Mr. Obama sitting only a few seats away from him, I thought to myself, this Dr. is a true patriot. The more I heard of him the more I liked him. When Americans all across the country started "clamoring" RUN BEN RUN, I joined in with them. His autobiography GIFTED HANDS is a must read (you should at least rent the movie). ONE VOTE is a very practical book with a lot of info in it. You can get a free copy of it in the form of an e-book. I was thrilled to hear the Dr. announce his candidacy in the 2016 race for the White House. If he only gets 17% of the "black vote" he cannot lose. He is my choice and he has my ONE VOTE.

[Cyndie Courtney · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit disappointed by this book frankly. I'd hoped it was a book explaining in a logical why each vote matters. Instead it largely consisted of a series of personal interpretations about what the founding fathers truly intended. Spoke as gospel about many things that are controversial and highly debatable. He belittles the difficulties of finding ways to vote if you have trouble getting an ID or getting off of work to vote. He describes FOX news as a unbiased news source. For so many of these reasons, it just didn't carry a lot of intellectual authority.

Did have a nice section at the end with web resources you can use to evaluate your representatives and how much they agree or do not agree with the things you believe in.

[Callie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would call this book a great guide for those who don't think voting is that big of a deal. Carson writes this book from a bipartisan perspective - he doesn't get into specific issues, but he goes over our system of government, and gives advice and resources on becoming an informed voter. This was a short, inspiring read, and I think it would be a perfect gift for new voters especially.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very concise and inspiring to see the importance of being educated in order to contribute to the democracy our nation was built on. I really enjoy Carson's value on education and passion for politics.

[Nicholas Konz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. I think everyone who loves this country should read it. It gives an excellent description of why our votes are important and how to inform ourselves to use that vote. I would recommend this book no matter where your political view is.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every. One. Of. Us. Should READ this book. And then read another one of his books: One Nation. “The freedom to criticize judges and other public officials is necessary to a vibrant democracy.” Sandra Day O’Connor

[J.M. Paden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some good stuff no matter which way you lean politically, in my opinion.

[Talea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to teach the importance of voting to middle schoolers and up. Love the resources listed to find information on politicians and current events.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple, and straight to the point.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!

[SFC Timothy]

Dr. Ben Carson honored the research performed by Alex de Tocqueville during the 1830's before this extraordinary author wrote his book, "Democracy in America". As Dr. Carson shared with us in his own book, "One Vote", this Alexis Tocqueville, a Roman Catholic Frenchman and 19th Century Philosopher from Paris France was extraordinarily inspired and impressed by the American People and its Founding Father's USE of BIBLES in every Public School to teach morals and values with amazing recognition of the reality knowing subsequent generations would understand that spirituality was essential to our grounding as political beings , and therefore crucial for readers today to familiarize themselves with the part of humanity that is not physical in nature, "knowing well" that "pure capitalism" cannot function at peak efficiency without that "God Ordained Balance". Tocqueville had "broken the code" of the "Amazing Success" taking place in America and Dr. Ben Carson, unlike "Politicians", shared this truth with us in his book, "One Vote". Thanks Dr. Carson and Mrs. Carson. Like our Salvation, we don't deserve our Lord bringing you to us at this needful time, however, please continue to know we, the people of America Love you both and would appreciate you becoming our next President and Commander-in-Chief. We, the people, are tired of being dishonored along with the Constitution our Forefathers, and many of our own fathers, brothers and families fought and died for. It's time to stand, fight and say, we've had enough!!!

[Summer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this on Election Day. I enjoy his general but honest take on our duty to vote. He gives some great, non-partisan references, webistes, etc. to check out your preferences, despite what you may think you are and then several websites that show you senators that believe similar view points. Which to me is genius for whoever created those websites.

Overall, the book was a good review to someone that has always voted and a smart plea to those who haven't or don't see the use, and/or are disillusioned. I did think it was a tad simplistic. However, completely useful just for the great quotes and websites.

[Ryan Turner]

Although Dr. Carson is running for President, this book was written before the campaign. It was a well crafted, easy-to-read/understand, quick read that does a great job of imploring American citizens to vote. What a wonderful right, freedom, and privilege we have to be able to vote for those that run our government. Government often feels like a big machine that is under no one's control, but Dr. Carson clearly makes the case that our vote counts and is what we exercise to make changes. If you are a citizen of this country, make sure to inform yourself about the issues and the candidate and go out and vote! I highly recommend this book.

[Alisha Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly clear and concise explanation of how to find your representatives and what questions you should be asking them, discover how they've voted, and how to find politicians whose values align with your own.

Every adult should read this for comprehension and then let their children read it. This is the best description of how we can again become an educated citizenry and civic minded. Our forefathers saw that our participation in local politics is where real democracy occurred. This book will help you find your way back there.

Simply written yet profoundly felt!

[Kimberly Blackadar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book inspires the reader to make an educated decision when exercising his right to vote, and therefore, would make a great addition to social studies classrooms across America. As someone who has read several of Dr. Carson's books and follows him on social media, I was pleased with his recent release and his ability to write about American politics with a hopeful tone.

[Timothy Werth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little book. Gave me perspective and ideas for resources to look at before casting the ballot, as well as greater appreciation of our government structure. Dr. Carson takes a common-sense approach-- chapter 2 is essentially urging the reader to read often in order to become a more intelligent, critical voter.

[Michael Eickhoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short and to the point book from Ben Carson. Doesn't take sides - just lays out a thoughtful perspective on the history and importance of voting. Great reviews on helpful websites to further educate yourself as a voter.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good book! It tells of the importance of your one vote and how every America that can should make their voice heard by voting. And do your research. Don't vote blindly or take just listen to what the media says. Go to the candidates' websites and read their policies. :)

[Kathi Salter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reminds us the importance of our "one vote" and how we can, collectively with our one vote, make a difference. Good book and good man!

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book.

[Isaiah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great principles, great author, nice, short read.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is useful for any voter, young or old. The author recommends ways to educate yourself on candidates and their stance on issues. Voter registration and voting by mail is also discussed.

[Diana Coe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read with some good insights on voting and becoming more educated with website recommendations for becoming more informed.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a handy little tool, especially with this being an election year.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great, little book! It makes you realize how important your vote can be and why you should never not vote. Definitely something I recommend to all Americans, or anyone who votes similarly.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

You're the man Ben, keep it up!