If you’re familiar with the 1954 Dr. Seuss classic, “Horton Hears a Who!” you know how frustrating it can be when free expression is lost in the overwhelming din of humanity. But you can also take solace knowing that a collective voice can rise above oppression and opposition and effect positive change.

In Seuss’ tale, the village of Whoville rests on a world no larger than a speck of dust and is in danger of annihilation because no one knows it exists. Horton, an elephant (with very large ears, mind you), hears a cry for help from the tiny fleck and tries to protect the town’s inhabitants from his skeptical neighbors. Horton finally convinces the citizens of Whoville to unite and make as much noise as they can. Finally, their unified voice is heard and their world is saved. 

“Horton Hears a Who!” has long been mined for metaphors. One interpretation is that it represents the futility voters feel at the ballot box — that their singular voice is meaningless. But it also provides hope that unity and purpose can prevail if like minds rally in a cohesive cause.

I’m guessing the folks at the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) are Dr. Seuss fans — that they agree with Horton that “a person is a person, no matter how small.” They’re convinced the combined votes of individual target shooters, hunters, trappers and gun owners can make a huge impact in the 2020 election and help protect our Second Amendment and hunting, shooting and trapping rights. The first step in that process, of course, is that each of us makes the commitment to vote — and that when we cast those votes our decisions are based on reliable, trustworthy information.

To assist eligible voters with registering and evaluating candidates’ positions on Second Amendment and hunting issues, the NSSF has launched “GunVote,” a voter education website at nssf.org/gunvote. Here they provide links to voter registration information for all 50 states, a guide to political races in voter districts, the latest polls and a selection of election-related news articles. Good stuff. Visit their website and use it as a resource for the upcoming election.

Take a lesson from Horton and the good citizens of Whoville and remember — a voice is a voice no matter how small.