The Time is NOW.

Posted by Sara in Editors US Election 2008.

I will be the first to tell you, I’m not a morning person… I’m the person the “snooze” button was invented for and it’s assumed I will be at least 15 minutes late for whatever function I’m attending. So I was not particularly thrilled when my husband nudged me out of bed around 6 a.m. this morning. And although the thought DID cross my mind to just not get up, I got over myself and I did it.

Why?

‘Cause today is THE day. Today I voted.

I “Barack”ed the vote, but you don’t have to (although it would be AWESOME if you did). Vote McCain, if you must, vote for the Socialist party, just VOTE. Know that tonight, when they announce our next president YOU actually did your part and were a part of the electoral process. I’ve been hearing an alarming amount of people say “my vote doesn’t count,” or “my vote doesn’t make a difference,” which shocks the HELL out of me, especially considering what happened down in Florida just 8 years ago…

And for all you major cynics who believed the election is “fixed” anyway, think of all the people in the world who can’t even vote in FIXED elections.

There’s really no excuse. Google Maps even has a special map that allows you to see exactly where your polling site is in relation to your home. How cool is that??

Vote early, vote on your lunch break, duck out early and go wait in line after work. And if you do incur lines, DO NOT LEAVE!! You’ve waited for much lamer things–the New Kids tour, your chance to see Debbie Gibson perform at your local mall, the 2 years it took for them to get “24″ back on–you can wait to vote for your next president.

And also remember that you will not just be voting for your president when you go into that booth. Each state has its own set of representatives and local government members who are running– it wouldn’t hurt to get a little information on them before casting your vote. Change does not just happen with the presidential election– we must be confident (or somewhat confident) in ALL of the men and women who are elected to represent us. Take the time to visit their websites, see what their platforms are. Don’t just skip over them because you don’t think they’re as important.

Also research the questions that appear on your ballot. Some states, like California are voting on whether or not to eliminate same sex marriage (known as proposition 8). My state, New Jersey, is having voters decide whether borrowing by state agencies should require voter approval (which got a big fat YES from me). These questions DIRECTLY effect you, as a resident of your state and it is EXTREMELY important you take the time to read them, think about them, and understand what it is you’re voting for.

So what the hell are you waiting for???

The time is NOW!

Editors, US Election 2008 |