Vote. Your Way of Life Really Does Depend On It.

  This is the final count down folks. Tuesday November 4th is just around the corner and it's time for each and every one of us that plans to cast a ballot to get their list in order. Let’s take first things first. Make sure that you are a registered voter. There are stories in every major election year that detail those individuals that think that they can just show up at a polling place and vote. You have to be registered, in the area that you currently reside. Also if you were registered before, and haven't voted in two or more years, some places will remove you from their lists as being inactive. Find out these details BEFORE you show up to vote. It is up to each of us to know which ward and or precinct that we are voting in. If you aren't sure, look on your voter registration card, or call your local elections commissioners office and find out. Make sure that you know the location of the polling place that you plan to attend. Polling places tend to get moved with little or no notice, and it can be a real pain to try to find yours at the last minute. Know the polling times. Some states are from 7am to 7pm, some are from 6 am to 9 pm. Make sure that you know YOUR state rules, and times. There is no politicking inside a polling place and many times within 100 feet of a polling place. This means that you cannot wear a t-shirt, sticker, pin or any other object that supports any candidate for office, or party affiliate when you enter a polling place. 

    Now that the basic rules have been laid out, make sure that you know the candidates. The Presidential race is only one race that will be on the ballot. City, county, state and area elections are also included on the ballot. These offices are the most important, and will affect all of us much more than the Presidential ballot. These people are the ones who will raise or lower your taxes, amend and create state laws, and be involved in other actions that can ultimately change your way of life. Get the local newspaper in your area and at the least know their names. Find out what they do, what they did, and what they stand for. Be an informed voter. Go to their websites. Read, read, read and find out as much as you possibly can about all of them. Take notes if you have to. On Tuesday November 4th 2008, let’s all get out there in record numbers and prove that we as citizens of the United States of America really care about democracy. It’s your right. Vote. Your way of life really does depend on it.