Register to Vote 2008
Sep 8th, 2008 by msdanielle
This is just a simple reminder to register to vote if you haven’t done so already. OK, still not convinced?
A good friend of mine told me he wasn’t going to vote, and that he hadn’t voted in the previous two elections. When I asked why not, he said, “I don’t really know what’s going on.”
I think that’s a common sentiment shared by people who haven’t looked at the issues yet. When it comes to voting for new registrants, I look at it as being pretty black and white. Look at the issues and see who either has more positives or negatives to swing your vote. I understand that people look at Democrats vs. Republicans as choosing “the lesser of two evils” and may shy away from voting, but in the same token, one party may have more pluses than minuses. Looking at the issues from the start may help pull you in one direction or another, and from there you can do further research.
To help you decide, I’m posting links to the candidate’s issues, as well as some factchecking on the recent convention speeches. I’m not going to air my political views here, I’m just asking you to do your part.
- Official sites of Barack Obama and John McCain
- Factchecking Obama and Factchecking McCain
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Thank you for such a timely and thoughtful blog. It really is hard to get motivated to vote when there is so much rhetoric and an overwhelming feeling taht nothing we do makes a difference. But this is a great year to get informed, get excited, and get involved. If not on a national level, at least on a local level. There is a lot going on in our communities that need our attention. And it’s easier to understand the direct impact it has on your daily life. I was a long time slacker, and it feels good to be part of the voting process.
i hope you vote this year or i’m gonna drag you to your polling station!
but you’re right, a lot of issues need our attention this year. if anything, people can become informed and aware, and formulate discussions EVEN IF their candidate doesn’t end up winning. wanna grab a coffee soon? 
@Scot Yep! I actually got involved in politics at the local level. I really felt like I made a difference (at the local level they are so much more accountable… with the right amount of pressure
) and ever since then I’ve been very in tune and active in politics.
And Danielle, ain’t that the truth? Once you get past all the misleading spin and say “Hey. What are the issues that really matter to my life right now, and what will s/he do about it?”
These days it’s a matter of just a quick CTRL-T, tab, and a Google search to be informed of the issues. (yes, hello, I’m a PC user)
Once you see the contrast, you realize elections do matter and you’ll want to be heard.
i’m trying harder this year to approach the issues from an objective position, even though I already know what i feel passionately about. being informed on both sides is necessary i think, no matter what your stance.
Even PC users have valid opinions, and can make important contributions to society
It makes a huge difference when you get away from neatly packaged election coverage and start doing a little reading or blog skimming. There are things we can all have an affect on.
Great job Danielle. Everyone needs to vote this year. It’s an important election.
yes yes! agreed
please help us spread the word!
I thought it happened in only my country. Almost 50% voters were obstain during the last governor election in my city.
Quite a bling way to remind people to vote, Lol! Well I honestly hope that more people will get involved this year by voting.
This is an important election. It will decide American foreign policy for the next 4-8 years. Everyone who cares about how we get along with other nations should vote this year!
great thoughtfull blog Danielle…
Voting in any type of election, from local elections to Presidential primaries, provides an important way to voice your opinions regarding elected leaders and overall policies; voting also helps you decide your own future by electing a person who might reflect your own views.The moral of the story is: Vote! Not only will it allow your voice to be heard but it allows you to take an active roll in what happens to you and your country.
We live in a country where no matter what you believe, no matter what your race, sex or religion you are allowed to voice it, so take advantage of it and vote.
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Jessica
You make some great points there….especially thanks for the links to the issues, that’s what it should be about anyway instead of all the other B*llsh*t that tends to take center stage.