Vote

[only_more_love]

T minus seven days till November 4th, 2008, otherwise known as Election Day here in the U.S.

I'm going to be posting this every day through then because I believe so strongly in exercising this privilege and responsibility.  If that bugs you, skip these posts. 

If you're a U.S. citizen who's old enough to vote, please do so.  If you've voted early, thank you.

Yes, we have an electoral college; vote anyway.

Vote because things are bad and getting worse.

Vote because in another place, in another time, you wouldn't have the chance to do it.

Vote because people fight, kill, and die for that opportunity.

Vote because you don't think the world can take another four years that look like the eight preceding it.

Vote because you want leaders you'd like to have coffee or a beer with. 

Vote because you want leaders who are smarter, calmer, and more thoughtful than you.

Vote because you don't believe having an education makes you an elitist.

Vote because you don't believe a man's middle name dictates his path or illustrates his beliefs.

Vote if you love Fox News Channel.

Vote if MSNBC is your drug of choice.

Vote if the Ashley Todd hoax made you sick.

Vote because the "last lynching" in the U.S. took place in 1981.

Vote even if you think politics sucks.

Vote even if you think government is a joke.

Vote even if you think fandom is more important and more fun.

Vote even if you think you're choosing between multiple evils.

Vote despite your apathy and cynicism and the little voice that says, "It doesn't matter."

Vote because of your enthusiasm and optimism.

Vote because this is your home and your country and our world.

Vote so you can tell your kids/pet/friends/family you did. 

Vote because you can.

Just vote.

Comments

[leah1813.livejournal.com]

Sometimes I think Canadians should be voting in your election considering just how much everything that America does effects us. Our economies, medias, foreign policies (besides Iraq) are inextricably entwined. I'm hoping we've elected a PM that will move us in our own direction, but for now it is a reality.

Our voter turn out this year was around 59 percent. Devastating so I loved your post and when it comes down to it all you can really say to such an apathetic generation is to vote just because its your right, even if you don't think it will make a difference.

I'll be eagerly following the proceedings. In fact I think more Canadians will tune in to the broadcasts on the fourth than they did on October fourteenth.

[lerdo.livejournal.com]

Voter apathy is a sad, sad thing. I understand why people feel that way, but I really wish people would vote anyway. They're taking for granted a right and a duty that many people still don't have.

The world is shrinking; it makes perfect sense that non-Americans would like to vote in the U.S. election.