Did You Vote Yesterday?
I’ll be honest – I didn’t. I didn’t know what the propositions were about, and I didn’t know who was running for city council in my area. I’ve never voted in an off-year election, mainly because I feel like I just don’t know enough about local politics. I realize that this is problematic. The right wing has done a fairly good job of stacking local governments, from the school board to the city council, with anti-choice candidates. If there had been a medical marijuana proposition on the ballot, I probably would have figured out where my polling location was.
I suspect that there are lots of potential voters out there who are just like me. I’ve voted in every presidential election since I turned 18. I just haven’t participated in the smaller elections. Part of this is because I don’t believe in voting. Don’t get me wrong – I love Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Alice Paul, and all of the other women who literally put their lives on the line so that women could have the right to vote. I proudly voted for Hillary Clinton in the primaries last year because I was happy to support the possibility of having a woman in the White House. I just don’t get as excited about the person running for city comptroller. I’m sorry.
What about you? Did you participate in the voting process yesterday? If you did, good job of being an engaged citizen. If you didn’t vote, why not?
1Erika
wrote on 4 November 2009 at 12:13
WHAT?? there was an election yesterday? for reals? if i had known i WOULD have voted seeing as how i’m rather well versed with the local politics of Kern County where I am still a registered voter. however, i never got my absentee ballot from home…someone shall pay! In my opinion these small elections are just as important, if not more so, than a presidential because the voters and constituents have a better shot of actually influencing any decisions made. Look people like harvey milk (cliche i know, but a good example of starting small) and the change that came about thanks to votes for small offices that can build a candidate or platform into a major issue. i am absolutely thrilled you partook in the democratic process for the presidential election but i think if anyone should be participating in local elections it’s people like you who have the drive, passion, and ABILITY to make change. so in essence, i’m a bit disapointed but can’t be a hypocrite!
2cat
wrote on 4 November 2009 at 13:57
My home state doesn’t allow referendums, this is an off year, and, in my rural hometown, only the schoolboard was up for election. Since every single one of the candidates stinks, I did not waste my time getting an absentee ballot just to write in protest votes for the school board. I did, however, work as a volunteer on the campaign of a third party candidate for city council in the city where my university is, but unfortunately he did not win. So I guess was I very politically active, just I was active in this city and not my hometown.
3Valerie
wrote on 4 November 2009 at 14:00
I voted yesterday because it is my right and my duty as a citizen to cast a vote. Too many people in history have shed their blood for the right to participate in their government, not only women, but people of both genders, all colors and all across the world, throughout history. I don’t want to take it for granted! Also, your vote in a local election has much more of an impact on the outcome and on your daily life. You truly have some control in a small election.
4Kate
wrote on 5 November 2009 at 16:17
I absolutely voted. Our public schools are in crises because our state (Arizona) has neglected to make funding them a priority. Our kids (I don’t have any, btw) deserve better, and I did my part to make sure my local school district has the funds it so desperately needs right now.
In Arizona you can get on the Permanent Early Ballot list and they mail you your ballot well in advance of the election, so you have time to review whatever is there and make a decision. I would encourage all Arizonans to get on the Permanent Early list – it makes things so easy, and you will never forget an election.