Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Politics 101: Voting

Yesterday was National Voter Registration Day! Did you register? I did. I will officially be voting in the District of Columbia on November 6. I'll be disenfranchised on the Federal level, but I so believe in the importance of voting, that I didn't want to skirt the lines of legality by voting in Arkansas. where I've been registered the last 2+ years. *Side note, my parents live in Little Rock, Arkansas--- I don't know if I've ever shared that little tidbit with y'all. Anyways. I mailed off my registration form to the DC Board of Elections and I'm so excited.

No matter what side of the aisle you fall on I think we can all agree voting is so important. I've talked about why I love politics before but in the weeks leading up to the election I think it's important to address it again. So here we go. Blue Dog Belle's top 10 reason to vote.

Vote


10. In order to be heard--- you have to make a statement. Duh, right? What I mean is Congress appropriates funds for various projects and initiatives. They really do listen to the constituencies who make the most noise, so speak up!

9. Don't let someone buy your vote (or your silence). Who wants to be manipulated by the powers that be?  No one.

8. Votes make Democracy work. Our government is by the people for the people. But if the people disappear from the process, the whole thing will break down.

7. It's important to stay up to date on the issues. No matter what the policy, you should know how you are affected. If you're up to date on the issues, your far more likely to vote.

6. It's fun. Who doesn't love that little "I voted sticker"

5.  You should get paid from work for any time you take to vote--- so hey, wait it a line. Exercise your rights. And take a break from work.

4. You shouldn't complain if you don't participate. Obviously, this is just my opinion, but it drives me NUTS when people start facebook or twitter rants about something stupid that the government is doing but I know they don't take the time to actually go vote. If you don't participate you don't get to complain. (okay--- that's a tad extreme, but it still a pet peeve).

3. Every vote counts. Voting is the ultimate equalizer. No matter how much money you have, what you do or where you live. Your one vote counts the same as that billionaires.

2.  The government is broken--- this is the easiest way for you to help fix it. Record deficits, unfunded entitlements and a broken tax code. There are so many important problems that we desperately need to solve. Voting helps provide a direction to the country, let Congress know how you think we should fix it!

1. It's your Constitutional Right. How many millions of people are denied freedoms every single day? In this country alone just think about our relationship with voting throughout history. 90 years ago our mothers won the right to vote. Less than 50 years ago African Americans were barred from voting all across the country. We are so lucky to live in a country, no matter your race, gender, sexuality-- nothing bars you from exercising your freedom. Above all this is why I vote. I vote because I can.

Is that enough for you? You only have a few days left to register (there is a 30 day deadline) so go on and register

13 comments:

Jen said...

I'm registered!! State of Nevada! :)

Heather said...

Amen girl! :)

XO
www.pearlsandpaws.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Thanks for posting this! I always vote no matter how big or small the election is. My mother constantly reminds me that women died so I could have the right to vote. :)

Neisa said...

I agree with you. If you do not vote, you do not get to complain. My husband and I are on different sides of the fence and tease that we just cancel each others votes out. Nevertheless, we both still vote. Great list, thanks.

Allison @ In the Queen City said...

Love this post!! And definitely agree with the comment above... if you don't vote, don't complain! Hopefully this will encourage people to get out there and vote!

Allyssa said...

Yes to all of these! I need to brush up on my politics though! I try to understand stuff, but sometimes I can't quite grasp it. I need a Politics for Dummies site! haha

Floortje said...

I really like your blog dear!
Keep up with the good work! :)

XO

Caitlin C. said...

I love this post!! It is SO important for everyone to vote, no matter what your viewpoint. And I think what's even more important is that you do research (actual research, not just listening to political ads) before voting. Great post, girl!

Anonymous said...

I love this post, and your blog. I am new to your blog and you have won the NEW BLOG AWARD (well in my book)..lol lol. I am African-American/gay woman so you better believe I am voting, and would never miss a chance to VOTE. I feel so strong about voting rights for many different reason. What African-Americans/women went threw so we could vote today, just makes me almost cry every time I think about their sacrifices. I was in line at DMV and a young brother was ahead of me and she asked if he wanted to register to vote and he said NO...WTF..It took everything in me to just shut up and not give this stranger a long speech about the importance of VOTING..lol lol..

Lauren @ Lawfully Wedded Wife said...

I'm with you, sister. I'm really hoping that the youth turn out to vote like they did last election. I think a lot depends on it!

Betsy Transatlantically said...

oh man. #4. amen.

Bonjour! said...

,,,"AMEN" to #3 i'm registered, i'm voting, i'm excited!,,,

Tyler said...

You go girl :) I just registered to vote a few days ago.. Will be my first time voting :) I am excited!

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