No matter who you vote for...
So, tomorrow is the election day here in the U.S., and by all accounts the presidential election and a lot of others will be tight. Whether they will be tight because of those accounts is a matter which deserves some consideration, but in any event, you should vote. Yes, you. We have this really neat system - it's flawed, yes, and it could be better in many ways, but it sure beats not having a voice at all.
Get out there. Educate yourself about the issues. Vote.
I'll make it really ridiculously easy for you:
Here is a lovely collection of voter resources: IPL2's collection of election resources. Tada!
That page is a treasure trove. Go there and you'll find ways to find out if you're registered to vote, where to vote, news sources and non-partisan resources on candidates and their positions, information about election laws, official party websites, fact checking resources, and more. You name it, it's there. It's simple, reasonably well organized, and pretty comprehensive. It's awesome. And if you're looking for something and don't find it there? Ask me. I am happy to help point you toward resources.
If you think you can't vote because of registration issues, check out the resources on that page. If that still doesn't clear it up for you, try going to a public library and asking for help from a librarian, or calling your city or county clerk's office. This is part of why they're there. They will help answer your questions and help you to vote. Their goal is to help you cast a valid ballot.
If you think you can't vote because you can't get to your polling place, there are potentially a lot of options for you. In most places, the political parties offer free rides to the polls all day on election day - give them a call, and let them know. Many churches offer free rides to the polls, too, and here in Madison Union Cab is giving folks free rides to the polling places all day long. Check your local news sources to see if this is a thing in your area.
If you are tired of politics, tired of election news, and just plain don't want to vote because it isn't your thing, I urge you to reconsider. It'll just be a few minutes out of your day, and you'll be participating in our democracy. I'm not going to say you have no complaining rights if you don't vote (because I don't believe it. Complain all you like about things you don't like) but I will say that this is your opportunity to let your voice really be heard, to make a statement that matters, to make a difference. All those drops of water make the ocean and all those grains of sand make a mountain. All those votes make for a message. This is your choice, and your chance to say what you do care about.
There's a song by Bonzo Dog Band called "No Matter Who You Vote For..." and part of the lyrics say "no matter who you vote for, the government always gets in." That's true. And it's easy to get frustrated with systems, overwhelmed by bureaucracy, and just feel impotent in the face of it all. But the truth is, no matter who you vote for, some person gets in. Government is made up of people, after all, and this is our chance to choose who those people will be. It doesn't have to be depressing. It doesn't have to be doomed. We choose. Don't be a victim of ennui. Vote.
Plus, if you vote, you get a sticker. There may even be cookies. Make a poll worker happy - give them lots and lots and lots of work to do tomorrow. Vote vote vote!
Posted hither and yon, Dreamwidth and Livejournal.
comments over thataway. Speak to me there or here, if you're inclined.
Get out there. Educate yourself about the issues. Vote.
I'll make it really ridiculously easy for you:
Here is a lovely collection of voter resources: IPL2's collection of election resources. Tada!
That page is a treasure trove. Go there and you'll find ways to find out if you're registered to vote, where to vote, news sources and non-partisan resources on candidates and their positions, information about election laws, official party websites, fact checking resources, and more. You name it, it's there. It's simple, reasonably well organized, and pretty comprehensive. It's awesome. And if you're looking for something and don't find it there? Ask me. I am happy to help point you toward resources.
If you think you can't vote because of registration issues, check out the resources on that page. If that still doesn't clear it up for you, try going to a public library and asking for help from a librarian, or calling your city or county clerk's office. This is part of why they're there. They will help answer your questions and help you to vote. Their goal is to help you cast a valid ballot.
If you think you can't vote because you can't get to your polling place, there are potentially a lot of options for you. In most places, the political parties offer free rides to the polls all day on election day - give them a call, and let them know. Many churches offer free rides to the polls, too, and here in Madison Union Cab is giving folks free rides to the polling places all day long. Check your local news sources to see if this is a thing in your area.
If you are tired of politics, tired of election news, and just plain don't want to vote because it isn't your thing, I urge you to reconsider. It'll just be a few minutes out of your day, and you'll be participating in our democracy. I'm not going to say you have no complaining rights if you don't vote (because I don't believe it. Complain all you like about things you don't like) but I will say that this is your opportunity to let your voice really be heard, to make a statement that matters, to make a difference. All those drops of water make the ocean and all those grains of sand make a mountain. All those votes make for a message. This is your choice, and your chance to say what you do care about.
There's a song by Bonzo Dog Band called "No Matter Who You Vote For..." and part of the lyrics say "no matter who you vote for, the government always gets in." That's true. And it's easy to get frustrated with systems, overwhelmed by bureaucracy, and just feel impotent in the face of it all. But the truth is, no matter who you vote for, some person gets in. Government is made up of people, after all, and this is our chance to choose who those people will be. It doesn't have to be depressing. It doesn't have to be doomed. We choose. Don't be a victim of ennui. Vote.
Plus, if you vote, you get a sticker. There may even be cookies. Make a poll worker happy - give them lots and lots and lots of work to do tomorrow. Vote vote vote!
Posted hither and yon, Dreamwidth and Livejournal.
comments over thataway. Speak to me there or here, if you're inclined.