To Vote or Not to Vote

You are probably asking yourself, "Is this really a Question?" Believe it or not it is. I met a young woman today who stated that she was ashamed that she did not even take the time to register to vote. I was completely flabbergasted that she was just starting to feel ashamed. Why did she not feel ashamed as she walked past the many volunteers who have been registering people? Why did she not feel ashamed, when she heard the pleas and cries of many of the importance of voting?



This conversation lead me to think that maybe she did not understand the importance of voting. It is more than voicing your political opinion but a right that many died fighting for. Not to mention the millions of people around the world who have no say in who governs them, so why squander your own power. Can one vote truly make a difference?



I truly believe so especially when I think back to the election of 2000. This was the closest election in the United States to date. Polls indicate that the upcoming election could be even closer yet. If you're not convinced that your vote can make a difference, consider these results from the 2000 presidential race: Nationwide, Al Gore won the popular vote by less than 1 percent and George W. Bush won the electoral vote--and thus the election--by less than 1 percent. Gore needed just four more electoral votes to become president.



I ask you to consider how you will feel on the eve of November 4th after the polls have closed and your candidate did not win, by a mere one vote, how will you feel?



I am committed to get one more person to cast their vote. Can I ask you to do the same thing? Will you offer someone a ride to the voting booth? If they say they are going “later” make a friendly lunch bet with them which one of you will get your “I Voted!” sticker first? You could even have a race to the voting booth. Second one there has to buy lunch!



Don’t present a candidate or an issue. Don’t tell them they have to vote. Ask them to join you in voting on Election Day. You might be surprised how that little nudge is all some people need.The perception that our individual vote does not matter has been perpetuated by the mainstream media. Many legitimate candidates and valid issues have gone unnoticed because of this misunderstanding. You know your vote matters. So does your friend’s vote...and your neighbor’s vote. It is not about the candidate, it is about you exercising your right to vote.



On November 4, 2008 exercise your right to vote. ...and remember why you have that right.