Summary/Intro

Voting is something that most Americans take for granted. For as long as any of us can remember, we've been able to vote.  While voting is something that is often politicized, it is essential to the U.S. governmental system. Don't let the politics of voting get in your way. Moral of the story, GET OUT AND VOTE (every election day).

Why Vote?

Voting is your direct voice to your local, state and federal governments. Many of us don't contact our local leaders or representatives. Each person has their own reason, but at the end of the day, unless there is an issue that is vitally important to us, we will simply go on with our lives.

Depending on where you live, you not only get to vote on candidates, but on specific local issues. Things like tax hikes, definition of marriage, bond proposals, etc. These "issue" votes will often times have a greater individual impact on your life than your local congressman, but many among us simply ignore them. For example, today (November 3rd, 2015) in St. Johns County, Florida, we are voting on a 1/2 cent sales tax increase for our school system, and NOTHING ELSE. Voter turnout will almost certainly be less than 50% even though this issue has the potential to take money out of every citizens pocket. That isn't to say that the measure is bad, or that the school district isn't deserving. It is just an example of how citizens are given the opportunity to express their opinion in a way that matters. By voting!

Important Issues

Below you will find some interesting issues on voting and where to learn more about them. Take the time to be educated and informed before you vote!

1. Redistricting:

   1. This is an issue that many people are unfamiliar with. Here in Florida, we have been dealing with it for a number of years. Many states have tried to more fairly draw district lines, and as expected the process is slow. For more info, go play the Redistricting Game. It is a fun way to learn about this particular issue.
       

2. Voter ID Laws

   1. This issue tends to draw a lot of scrutiny. For the purposes of this post, be sure to know what the rules are in your state. If you need to bring an ID, be sure to have yours ready! If you need to get an ID, please preserve your ability to vote, and get one as soon as you are able. Voting is important! To learn more about your state's rules, visit Ballotpedia.org.
       

3. Closed primary elections

   1. Similar to #2 above, know the policy for your state! If you need to know what your state's policy is, visit FairVote.org for some great information.
   2. Essentially, "Closed Primaries" means that you can only vote if you are registered with a specific political party. In other words, only registered "Republicans" get to vote for Republican Candidates and vice a versa. I put Republicans in quotes because you don't have to vote for your party in the general election. You get to vote for the best candidate of your choice.
   3. If you live in a "Closed Primary" state, and aren't registered with the Democrat or Republican party, you may not get a say in which candidate from that party appears on the General Election ballot.
       

4. Early Voting

   1. Does your state let you vote early? Head to ncsi.org to find out!
   2. Don't let work, school, or some other life circumstance keep you from voting on election day! In many states, if you can't vote early, you can certainly vote "Absentee". While we can't vote electronically from our couches yet, many states have made some adaptations to the polling process to help as many people as possible get out to vote. Be sure to take advantages of the programs in your area!

Conclusion

VOTE! Don't let political pundits, the national media, or any other excuse stop you! Know the rules for your state, and do it to it!