Most Americans choose not to vote for the same lame reasons: they're too busy, they're uneducated, they think their vote won't actually count, or frankly they think all of the candidates are pretty awful. In actuality these reasons, or rather to be honest, excuses, all originate in our proclivity to settle for laziness.
In almost every election, commentators and broadcasters, journalists and candidates all say that "This election will define a generation!" Well, I have to agree in this case. Our country has faced the most severe recession since the Great Depression, our country is in the midst of a movement that finally sheds light on the continuance of institutional racism, and our country is debating whether to fully involve itself in the hot bed of the Middle East. This election must select a president who will work collaboratively with congress to pass meaningful legislation. We must choose someone who will know when to use force and when it is best to remain uninvolved.
I think the world is on an edge of a cliff. It is teetering back and forth waiting for the last gust of wind to force it to tumble down the side of the mountain. But I also wish to be optimistic. There must be some will that can pull us back. Though we cannot rest all of this hope on a new president and new representatives in Congress, our choices can define that will.
So, if you are too busy to vote, make some god damn time. Voting takes approximately 15 minutes. I count that as eight minutes to drive to the polls, two minutes to walk into the polling station, and then five minutes to vote. These 15 minutes could essentially define our countries future. The election in 2000 was decided by 537 votes in Florida.
If you are ill informed on this subject, there are so many different sites to learn about candidates. I recommend studying both sides of the spectrum because all media is biased. Project Vote Smart tends to be the best with provided the most unbiased data and information.
You think you're vote doesn't count? *See the section on Florida two paragraphs above...IT DOES.
Not every candidate is awful, so you have to dig deeper than which candidate gets the most media attention. Look at prior voting records and previous political experience to ensure the candidate aligns with your values.
Voting may seem complicated, or stupid, or like a waste of time but really not voting is the problem. If you give up your right as a citizen of this country, then you also give up the right to complain about politics and social climate and anything really happening. You are abandoning your fellow citizens.
So make a difference. Get Educated. Get out there and vote.
