i voted and you should too

I didn't get one of those little stickers to prove it, but it's true. It was quick and easy and painless.

In Tennessee, we have early voting, which is wonderful. For three weeks before the election, you can go to a few polling places and cast your ballot. This year has been record-breaking for early voting: there was a tremendous turnout on the first day alone.

I went in the middle of the afternoon in the rain today, and I had to stand in a short line while they verified all my information and explained the machines to voters. From the parking to the operation of the machines, I don't know how they could have made it any easier.

I really don't understand why people don't vote. I have a strong moral and religious code, which I try not to impose on other people. I tend to be pretty tolerant of most things. One exception: I think everyone who is eligible should vote.

I have recently learned of a couple friends -- yes, FRIENDS -- who do not vote because (a) they do not think it makes a difference and/or (b) they do not feel well-informed enough on the issues to make a decision.

I have expressed my displeasure about this issue, and we have decided not to discuss it further. I think both of those reasons are reversible, if people really wanted to exercise their right to vote. I repeat, I think everyone should vote.

GMT and I were talking about this, and he disagrees. If people don't take the time to be informed, he said, perhaps it's better that they don't vote. (Rest assured, he votes -- or I would be seeking mandolin instruction elsewhere.)

Feel free to weigh in on this issue in the comments section.

For what it's worth, I cannot tell which way this area is leaning. I see a lot of signs for both candidates, a lot of bumper stickers. Maybe it's just the places I frequent, but no one has come up to me to enlist me as a Bush voter. And I have not been at one public gathering where people have cheered for Bush. The most pro-Bush sentiments I have seen or heard have been at [the place where I work]. In my spare time, I hang out with artistic types and listen to a lot of National Peoples Public Radio (that was a joke just for you, HCB) which may explain those particular viewpoints.

I seriously do not care which way you vote. However, if you are eligible, I think you should go vote.

Comments

[Mrs. Horn]

Coming from one of the people who thought "The Tennessee Republican Party" was a bar...Yes, everyone should vote. If you don't know enough, find it out.

P.S. I need to check on the font that was used on the office building signage for "The Tennessee Republican Party"...it made me thirsty.

[Opie]

May I offer an alternative view? I just don't see the magic in someone voting thoughtlessly just because it's their duty to vote. I'm starting to believe that government by the concerned is not bad government at all, so long as we all have the right to freely join the ranks of the concerned. If there are people who aren't into politics, I say let them stay home. It doesn't make them bad people, and the rest of us can still provide the framework for a good country we all can share.

[mapgirl]

Absolutely, I want to hear all views. Thanks, Opie, for giving me more to consider. GMT agrees with you, and made some persuasive points.

Thanks for reading and contributing!

Confidential to Mrs. Horn: Need your advice on something non-political. I will call you this weekend.