It’s too bad more Americans don’t actually vote in elections. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, turnout by all races and ages was about 64% during the 2008 elections.
64% of the population shouldn’t be making decisions for 100% of the people. You may think it doesn’t matter if you don’t vote. Ask yourself, if you don’t vote then who is voting? Think about the fact that even if you aren’t voting, someone is and that someone is making decisions for you. There is a LOT riding on this election. Your vote does count and does matter. Don’t give it up.
There was some good news and bad news with regard to voting last election. First the good news: about five million more Americans voted in the 2008 elections than in the elections four years prior to that. Voter turnout was highest in Minnesota and the District of Columbia at about 75%. Now some bad news: voter turnout was lowest in Hawaii and Utah, where just over half of voters went to the polls. At 64% of the people voting, there is one thing that is certain. We can do better.
So if you know someone who needs help voting, why not help them make it happen? For yourself, make sure you are registered and know where to vote. More important, go the polls armed with information. Responsible government only comes as a result of responsible voting. You may be tempted to go to the polls only knowing half the story. Take time to educate yourself before election day. You’ll be glad you did when you are staring at the ballot November 6.
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