Voting 101
 

I am voting right now absentee style and their are so many things on the ballot that I have no idea what they are. I think this may be more difficult than some of the tests I took in school. I have not heard of many of these issues probably because I have not read all the political forums here. Do you guys vote on every issue and do you always vote with your political party?

I guess in the scheme of things, I am one in millions and my vote may not make a major difference but at least I will have the right to complain because I voted.

Just call your local DNC office, they'll help you get registered 43 times and then help you forward baseless alligations of intimidation or some crap... you know, those evil republicans don't want you to vote 43 times and all that.

Seriously though, if you call your courthouse they can help you get set up... I forgot what they call the local person who deals with this.

Go here.

http://www.ballot.org/states/

It has a run down of each Ballot Initiative in each state and a pro/con write up.

Vote, and be an educated voter.

Why bother. There are only 2 morons to choose from anyway. One is bs'ing the public into believing that the rich are to blame for everything, or that tax cuts are bad. The other is bs'ing the public into believing that he can keep us safe by pissing an entire continent off, while at the same time wasting so much money that even good tax cuts might be jeopardized. So you see, with only two choices to make in a nation where there are at least fifty choices for every single product a person wants to buy is ludicrous. Not to mention the baggage each of those parties comes with in the form of outdated issues they can't seem to stop preaching.

Shame on you cynics.

Can I offer some genuine advice, apart from political fray that goes on here?

First, you HAVE to vote. It's the most important duty you have as a citizen. More important than stopping at red lights or donating blood.

Second, and this may come as a complete shocker to most people here, but the reason you should vote is NOT to cast a vote for Bush or Kerry, it's so you can influence how your LOCAL elections go.

You see, everyone focuses in on the Presidential election, when what they don't realize is that the political decisions that affect their lives with greater frequency and impact are those made at the State, or Local level. Who your Judges, Sheriff, and Mayor are, and their competence and integrity go a lot further toward contributing to a good community than which guy occupies the White House for 4 years.

If I were you, I'd pick your Prez based on the three most important issues to you, and then spend the majority of your time in the next week finding out about the local candidates, their background and experience.

And pull that lever. For the last 400 years or so, people have been fighting to give you that right.

Well put John.

didn't you get a sample ballot showing all the items you would have to vote for or against?

If you feel this way then I suggest you not even vote for president.

I do suggest that you research the local and state issues on the ballot and vote (only once). ;)

Tip: FOLLOW THE MONEY

Find out how the issue got on the ballot, who funded that expensive process. Then find out who is fighting the proposition, how much money they gave and so forth.

Here is an example of internet research at work, took my wife a couple of hours on the net, I know she had fun doing it too.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=188855&highlight=michig an+proposal

Cramer for Congress!!

Thank you! Free beer for everybody!

But what if we live in a state that the canidates don't care about? I dont live in Ohio or Florida or various other states. Indiana will be the first state on the board and it will be republican. So why should I vote again?

(BTW I am still voting....just asking.)

Thanks for all the information guys. I definitely know that voting is a right and it was provided to me by the hardworking soldiers who fought for my freedom so I will not waste an opportunity.

And I second the motion Cramer for Congress.