Hey Everyone!! :-)
Today, I'd like to talk about the election that's coming up in November for those of you living in the US. I know I've written an awful lot about the Presidential election, so I'm not going to rehash all of that now. My opinions haven't changed and if you want to know what they are, read What's Good For The Goose..., Just How #Scary Is The #TPP?, and Is That A #Fact?
But as important as the Presidential election is, it isn't the only election that will be happening on the 8th of November this year. There are also state and local offices up for grabs, ballot initiatives, and you may even be voting on a US House Representative seat. So I urge you to do your homework and pay attention to everything that's on the ballot next month.
How do you do that? I'm glad you asked! It's actually very easy. All you do is call or email your local election office. I found mine through the very complicated process of typing my county and state into a Google search along with the words "election office." I know, terribly difficult. Just make sure the link you click on has a .gov extension, and then just follow the instructions on the site.
The details will vary from election office to election office, but for many of them you can check your voter registration status, what's on the ballot, who the candidates are, where your polling place is, and more. If any information that you want is missing, the email address and phone number for your election office should be listed. Just give them a call or send them a quick email and ask for the information you want. They'll tell you. It's their job and information about what you'll be voting on and how to do so isn't a secret. So just ask.
What should you know? Well, first you should confirm that you're registered to vote, and if not you need to get registered ASAP. Deadlines will pass soon, and you don't want to miss your chance. Second, make sure you know where you need to go to vote. Map Quest is your friend, if you aren't familiar with the address. ;-)
But you also need to know what you'll be voting on. Find out what offices are being filled and who the candidates are. Do a Google search of their names and find out what their records are. Have they held political office before? What's their record. Does their voting record reflect your values and interests? Have they written anything about what they believe? Is it what you believe?
Don't just vote on party lines, do some research and find out who the best candidate is for you! I know, we're all busy, but it really doesn't take that long. Just set aside half an hour one evening and spend a little time on Google. It's one of the most valuable ways you'll spend half an hour all year.
Also find out about any ballot initiatives, bills, or proposals you'll be voting on. Read them and make sure you understand what they mean and what a "yes" vote and "no" vote means. Sometimes--deliberately so at times--they are worded in a way that makes it hard to know if you are voting for or against it, but if you can't figure it out ask your election office. Again, that's why they have jobs, so don't be bashful.
It takes a little time to be prepared, but it's incredibly important that you take that time and know what you're voting for. Ask yourself, are you happy with the political situation in this country right now? Because if you aren't, the only way to change it is to educate yourself, be informed about the candidates and issues, and vote! Only by voting for the changes we want and the candidates who represent those changes will we get the political system we need. If we stay apathetic and uninformed, all we'll get is the political system we deserve. I know which I want. Which do you want?
Peace!
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