Here's something you might be interested in.
"Duty Now--For The Future." --DEVO, from the back cover art of NEW TRADITIONALISTS.
Well, well, lookie at what arrived in my mailbox today...my permanent absentee mail-in ballot for the 8-Jun-10 California primary election. Since I am a registered Independent (NOT "American Independence Party," no bleeping way!), I get a non-partisan ballot.
Fine by me!
As I filled out my ballot, I thought of those folks who say that "our votes don't count," or "It's not worth my time," among other self rationalizations for not voting. To me, there is NO reason or rationalization for a registered voter to not do their civic duty and cast a ballot--either at the polling place on Election Day, or as I do, by absentee ballot.
True, the results on Election Night might not go your way. However, it's much better to make the effort (even if it's in vain) than it is to sit on your gleuts and not make the effort in the first place. One vote can, indeed, make a difference.
For Election Day is, for our politicos seeking to either be elected or stay in office--JUDGEMENT DAY! It's the closest thing we voters have to playing God with our politicos' careers--your chance to either toss them out on their seats, or give them another turn in power. Your choice--if you choose to take it!
I have voted in every election in my life since I was eighteen--and have never regreted it. I've seen good folks gain office--and some real rotters who weasled their way in. I've seen good ballot propositions become part of our state's Constitution, as well as some that were obviously destructive become law.
Still, by voting, I said my peace about the candidates-and-issues on that election's ballot. The reason I vote absentee (permanent)--besides getting in my licks early--is that it's easy to obtain such status. Just fill out the back of your County Voters Guide, mark the box requesting "permanent absentee" status, and mail that puppy off to the S.D. County Registrar of Voters office ASAP.
Be it by absentee ballot, or by going to the polling place on Election Day, your vote counts as much as mine either way. I voted today (ballot will be in Tomorrow's Outgoing Mail)--but will you?
To qoute Larry The Cable Guy: "GIT 'ER DONE!"
--LPR
"Duty Now--For The Future." --DEVO, from the back cover art of NEW TRADITIONALISTS.
Well, well, lookie at what arrived in my mailbox today...my permanent absentee mail-in ballot for the 8-Jun-10 California primary election. Since I am a registered Independent (NOT "American Independence Party," no bleeping way!), I get a non-partisan ballot.
Fine by me!
As I filled out my ballot, I thought of those folks who say that "our votes don't count," or "It's not worth my time," among other self rationalizations for not voting. To me, there is NO reason or rationalization for a registered voter to not do their civic duty and cast a ballot--either at the polling place on Election Day, or as I do, by absentee ballot.
True, the results on Election Night might not go your way. However, it's much better to make the effort (even if it's in vain) than it is to sit on your gleuts and not make the effort in the first place. One vote can, indeed, make a difference.
For Election Day is, for our politicos seeking to either be elected or stay in office--JUDGEMENT DAY! It's the closest thing we voters have to playing God with our politicos' careers--your chance to either toss them out on their seats, or give them another turn in power. Your choice--if you choose to take it!
I have voted in every election in my life since I was eighteen--and have never regreted it. I've seen good folks gain office--and some real rotters who weasled their way in. I've seen good ballot propositions become part of our state's Constitution, as well as some that were obviously destructive become law.
Still, by voting, I said my peace about the candidates-and-issues on that election's ballot. The reason I vote absentee (permanent)--besides getting in my licks early--is that it's easy to obtain such status. Just fill out the back of your County Voters Guide, mark the box requesting "permanent absentee" status, and mail that puppy off to the S.D. County Registrar of Voters office ASAP.
Be it by absentee ballot, or by going to the polling place on Election Day, your vote counts as much as mine either way. I voted today (ballot will be in Tomorrow's Outgoing Mail)--but will you?
To qoute Larry The Cable Guy: "GIT 'ER DONE!"
--LPR
Robbie, not to burst your enthusiastic bubble, but I would urge people who vote by absentee ballot to wait until the week or even the day prior to the election date. The reason for this being that sometimes unforseen events occur, or some last minute issue arises, that may have caused you to vote differently had you still had your ballot at home -- once the ballot is in the mail, there's no changing your mind.
I know it is the trend to vote by mail, but I still go and vote in person at the polls, even if it does cost me a little time and effort. Even those years I work as a floating precinct inspector, I leave the site to drive to my voting place and cast my vote in person. I enjoy seeing so many people out there voting their little hearts out!
Anyway you choose to vote, VOTE, VOTE, VOTE!!!!
Actually, CF, by the time my ballot arrives in my mailbox, I've already made up my mind about how I'm going to cast it. My research starts when I recieve my Offical California Voter's Guide from the Secretary Of State's office (as well as the one put out by the S.D. Registrar Of Voters). Add to that a bit of research on Nexis/Lexis, and I'm ready to do my duty.
I do understand that once the ballot is cast, there is no "do over." By the time I get my ballot, like I said, I'm ready to vote. Hence the reading-and-research beforehand. This way, I don't have "voter's remorse" after I mark-and-mail my ballot.
Plus, out in these parts, the nearest polling place is three miles from my apartment--and most of it is inaccessible by public transportation. If it's a choice between absentee balloting and paying for a round-trip cab ride...I'll go absentee, thank you!
But, that's just me. However it gets done--let's get 'er done. The right to vote is like your body--if you don't exercise it, it will go away!
--LPR
Well, as you know, things can change in a heartbeat. I don't say vote in person if you can't or don't want to, nothing wrong with voting absentee, and as you say, better that than not voting. I just meant that it might be a good idea to hold on to the ballot for a while, instead of shooting it out the minute you get the ballot in the mail, which many people tend to do. Reminds me that I am going to have to ask the Voter Registrar to look into why I am not getting my booklet!
Hope ya didn't fall for that Proposition 16 bullsh*t. Plenty of info out there, people. Just Google it.
http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=proposition+16+pg%26e&aq=1&aqi=g10&aql=&oq=%22proposition+16&gs_rfai=&fp=ab2d5b952f8fe9a9
(This blog comment has NOT been brought to you by PG&E.)