Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Vote!
I have strong political beliefs that are based more on fact and consciously formed opinions than on following the crowd, or doing what's popular. I like to think that I'm a fairly well informed girl and have always been fascinated by history, government and, of course politics. Afterall, I announced my intent to be the first female President in fifth grade. 'Nough said.
We have a pretty major, not to mention important, midterm election here in Colorado this year. And the dirty political ads are getting nasty enough that even I'm ready for election season to be over. We're electing a new governor, several new Congress members, and have a ballot of amendments and referred measures a mile long. My blue book arrived in the mail a couple of weeks ago and I'm mildly embarrassed to admit that I've yet to crack mine open. Today I attended a non-partisan presentation on Colorado's ballot issues hosted by volunteer from the League of Women Voters. I was somewhat familiar with all the proposed measures, but I have to admit that there were a handful of the 14 state-wide measures that caught me completely off-guard. The League is known for boiling down the technical politi-speak of the blue book into "normal people terms," making them easier to understand and digest. In addition to this, volunteers study each issue carefully by committee and then take their findings to the state level and issue recommendations based on that research. However, the League never takes a stance on candidates for elected office, at any level. It's always nice to know how and why certain conclusions were reached on all the varying issues and while they don't always influence my final decision, sometimes they help sway me on the tricky stuff.
In addition to gaining insight into all the issues on which we're being asked to have an opinion, I learned a lot about the process of voting today and how elections are conducted and I learned more about the politics behind politics than I'd ever imagined. For example, did you know that when delivering a voting booth to a precinct (or in the case of Denver, a "Vote Center") the delivery truck must be followed and, upon delivery, inspected by a registered member of both political parties? A lot goes in to making sure that our elections are fair and that integrity is not compromised. I have to admit, it gives me great peace of mind.
I will restrain myself from posting on my specific opinions (you probably know what they are anyway) and will leave you this evening (morning?) by simply saying that voting is about more than being a D an R or a U (different from Independent, mind you, too); it's not only your right as an American but your responsibility. No matter who you are, or where you live; no matter what you support or what you oppose; no matter who you vote for, VOTE!
"Bad politicians are sent to Washington by good people who don't vote."--William E. Simon
We have a pretty major, not to mention important, midterm election here in Colorado this year. And the dirty political ads are getting nasty enough that even I'm ready for election season to be over. We're electing a new governor, several new Congress members, and have a ballot of amendments and referred measures a mile long. My blue book arrived in the mail a couple of weeks ago and I'm mildly embarrassed to admit that I've yet to crack mine open. Today I attended a non-partisan presentation on Colorado's ballot issues hosted by volunteer from the League of Women Voters. I was somewhat familiar with all the proposed measures, but I have to admit that there were a handful of the 14 state-wide measures that caught me completely off-guard. The League is known for boiling down the technical politi-speak of the blue book into "normal people terms," making them easier to understand and digest. In addition to this, volunteers study each issue carefully by committee and then take their findings to the state level and issue recommendations based on that research. However, the League never takes a stance on candidates for elected office, at any level. It's always nice to know how and why certain conclusions were reached on all the varying issues and while they don't always influence my final decision, sometimes they help sway me on the tricky stuff.
In addition to gaining insight into all the issues on which we're being asked to have an opinion, I learned a lot about the process of voting today and how elections are conducted and I learned more about the politics behind politics than I'd ever imagined. For example, did you know that when delivering a voting booth to a precinct (or in the case of Denver, a "Vote Center") the delivery truck must be followed and, upon delivery, inspected by a registered member of both political parties? A lot goes in to making sure that our elections are fair and that integrity is not compromised. I have to admit, it gives me great peace of mind.
I will restrain myself from posting on my specific opinions (you probably know what they are anyway) and will leave you this evening (morning?) by simply saying that voting is about more than being a D an R or a U (different from Independent, mind you, too); it's not only your right as an American but your responsibility. No matter who you are, or where you live; no matter what you support or what you oppose; no matter who you vote for, VOTE!
"Bad politicians are sent to Washington by good people who don't vote."--William E. Simon
# posted by Molly @ 12:59 AM 
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Mike,
First off, by not voting you're making a statement that I respect, though it's also one with which I don't agree. However, should you choose to not vote then you also forfeit your right to bitch and moan--that's the way I see it anyway.
Secondly, in the State of Colorado your employer is required to give you up to two hours off work to vote only if you have less than three hours before or after work in which to do so. You also must apply for leave ahead of time. Be sure to do that soon; you have 14 days 'til the election. More information is available here: http://www.timetovote.net/voter_leave_laws.html
Happy voting!
--Molly--
First off, by not voting you're making a statement that I respect, though it's also one with which I don't agree. However, should you choose to not vote then you also forfeit your right to bitch and moan--that's the way I see it anyway.
Secondly, in the State of Colorado your employer is required to give you up to two hours off work to vote only if you have less than three hours before or after work in which to do so. You also must apply for leave ahead of time. Be sure to do that soon; you have 14 days 'til the election. More information is available here: http://www.timetovote.net/voter_leave_laws.html
Happy voting!
--Molly--
Fair enough. I can't argue with that.
But, I do have to say that people who complain all the time and do absolutely nothing to make the situation better drive me mad. Though, at least you have an opinion--that's a step in the right direction.
Out of sheer curiosity, why did your vote not count?
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But, I do have to say that people who complain all the time and do absolutely nothing to make the situation better drive me mad. Though, at least you have an opinion--that's a step in the right direction.
Out of sheer curiosity, why did your vote not count?
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