Never think that your opinion doesn't matter. And never let an election go by without expressing your opinion by voting. It always makes a difference, especially when you think it won't. Vote.
We live in a democratic society and, as such, we have elections to give the people of this country the ability to weigh in on who is representing us and what issues we care about and why. It's not a perfect system, but it's the only one we've got and it keeps our country moving forward. There may be times when the election results don't go the way we want, but fundamentally and theoretically we have a system that keeps those in power on their toes and watching what we the people think. They don't pay pollsters millions of dollars a year just for fun; they know that what the public thinks matters. And the only way to make the public's thoughts really matter is for us to take it into our own individual hands and vote in each and every election.
The major ones, like the recent California recall or a presidential election, usually get all the attention and bring in more people, but that doesn't mean the more 'minor' elections are any less significant. And, actually, those smaller elections are usually the ones that effect us more directly by setting local policies and selecting local leaders who handle our local, neighborhood issues. Why let others dictate neighborhood policies without your say included?
I know everyone, in California at least, is sick and tired of elections right now because the insipid recall is over and we're exhausted from the craziness of it. I'm exhausted by it all too. And I know how hard it must be to even think about any other elections now. But, come November, there will be many local, and some statewide, elections around the country. And they are incredibly important. Here in San Francisco we have a open mayoral race that will steer the direction of the city for years. What direction will we go? That's up to the voters of the City, and if you're one of them, then this is your chance to be a part of that decision making.
I know it's late in the month, but October, and November, will be devoted to our election process, our local election in San Francisco, and yours and my thoughts and comments on elections in general. It's time, once again, to get out there and vote.
VOTE VOTE VOTE
(Vote Democrat)
Don't ever again say or think that it doesn't matter who's president. It does. Imagine how different our lives, our nation, and our world would be had they fully counted all the votes in 2000.
REGISTER TO VOTE
You can always simply call your city/county board of elections (in the blue pages of your phone book) and find out where you can register nearest you. Just vote! It's more important than you may think.
Find Out Who You're Voting On In Your Area
Contact your current elected officials:
Federal (House; Senate)
State
