To Vote or Not to Vote: That is the Question

November 8th is election day. If you are not registered, your chance to participate in tomorrow's election is past. However, you are lucky, for there is always next year and you can register so that your voice may be heard.

Many today are apathetic about the vote (though record numbers have turned out in the last two major elections). They think their vote doesn't matter, that they can't make a difference. Personally, I look at voting as one of my many duties to my country and I do not believe I have ever missed an election. Voting is a priviledge and a right that helps us to have a voice in what is happening in our country. We are so lucky, so blessed to be able to do this and I am disappointed in those who don't take this duty seriously.

Having said that, there is another thing that upsets me more than just a bit. Last year, I voted for President Bush. My stepson's car was in the shop and he was not going to be able to go vote. I drove 20 minutes to his house, then took him to vote, then drove him home, then drove back to my home. He voted for John Kerry.

There are many who would say...what did you even bother doing that for...your vote just cancelled each other out. But I don't look at it that way at all. I believe we were doing our civic duty. And though I disagreed with the 18 year old's choice of candidate, I was so very proud that he wanted to vote, to make his voice heard and that he took this duty/right/priviledge so seriously.

Today, a friend emailed me and told me that they were going to be driving Dems to the polls tomorrow to vote. Now that is an admirable thing to do, but I can't help but wonder, why they are just driving Democrats. If a Republican neighbor needed a ride, would they refuse? I hope not. I hope that in this country, we would put a person's right to vote above whether or not they voted the way we wanted to. I would like to see non-partisan transportation available. Perhaps people could call the polls, and say, hey I need a ride. Then someone would go and get them, not caring what their party was, only that they would have the opportunity to make their choice known.

So here is my challenge to you...actually two challenges.

The first challenge is if you are registered to vote, go do that. The polls are open before, during and after work and there is really no excuse not to go (except for illness or tragedy). Take a few minutes and go vote. You will get the 'I voted, sticker to wear proudly, and you can talk with your children about how you are keeping Democracy alive in the United States of America.

The second challenge is that if you have a neighbor who can't get out but wants to vote, offer to take them...and don't worry about their political preference. And if you are not sure if they want to vote, but know they can't get out, then ask them. The worst they will do is say no thank you. At best they will gladly accept your offer and you will have brightened their day and your own.

Show that you believe that this country's system works and support everyone's right to cast their vote.