I have a rule when talking to people about politics. I ask first if they voted in the last election. If they say they did not, I won’t talk politics with them. Talking politics with them would be like talking about the ball game while they sat in the cheap seats in right field. Sure they got the big view of the game – they knew when the cheer – they saw the scoreboard. But, their opinion of whether or not that play at home plate was close or not? Sorry – you didn’t see it the way those of us on the field did.
People have historically said to me they do not vote because they do not feel it matters – what is one vote in a sea of others who are voting the opposite way. I think the 2000 elections demonstrated what one vote could do – the power of it. I know in Oregon, we have had several votes recently where one vote or two made a difference. Even if you feel your vote for president is lost thanks to the electoral college, remember there are plenty of things locally to vote on – things that matter too.
Voting is the one act that all adults gets to do regardless of age, race, sex, socio-economic status, education, sexual orientation, etc. We all on the same day hold the same power. Think about that one.
Do your duty as a citizen and vote today.
And someone, at least in Oregon, please put a state measure on the ballot eliminating the use of mailings during election time. I don’t read them – I recycle them – and it seems like a lot of wasted resources. Or, I guess I could take the tact of a friend of mine who is saving all of them, then will be writing “return to sender” on every flier and dropping it into the mail today.
But that, that is a different topic.
Vote.
VOTE
“Decisions are made by those who show up”
~Aaron Sorkin
Hmmm … what if you chose not to vote because, after much research you’ve determined that NONE of the candidates come anywhere near representing your priorities? What if you feel your vote is worth FAR more than anything those same candidates have to offer? What if you think “validating” those candidates with your vote is the WORST thing you can do?
Do you get the privilege of talking politics then?
Dana – was there nothing on the ballot worth voting on? I mean, we had 2 pages of things to vote on. Even if a candidate or two is not worthy, there are usually other things worth voting on.
We have ONE issue on the ballot that is not related to candidates holding office – a proposed amendment to the Illinois Constitution.
I have decided I will cast a vote over the lunch hour – on that issue only.
I voted for one candidate today, and all the ballot issues (two yes, two no). I rarely cast a vote when someone is running unopposed (and there were lots of those today). But like most people, I’m only there to get the sticker! 😛
I Did My part. Although I found the ballot quite confusing??
I tend to listen to the great philosopher Linus (from Peanuts) – “I’ve learned never to discuss three things with people: Religion, Politics and the Great Pumpkin.”
I just don’t enjoy political debate. I consider myself informed and I always study up before voting (thank god for early mail ballots and plenty of time to read/think/ponder).
That being said, I’m kind of like Dana above, in that many races I don’t feel comfortable picking one. Or there are some things I’m just not informed on or don’t feel strongly about – I leave those blank.
But I kind of agree with you in that I don’t think you can complain if you don’t vote, or don’t get involved in some way.
Happy Voting Day!
I don’t vote so I DON’T HAVE to discuss politics. So I don’t have to have someone else agenda shoved down my throat. I just say, hey. I didn’t vote so I don’t get to have an opinion. Let’s talk about something else.
I seriously wonder how many of my friends would ‘unfriend’ me on facebook if they knew I voted for George Bush. Twice.