Voting For The Right Person

Knowles at early voting in Florida.
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It’s not enough to vote these days. People think that because they take time out of their day to cast a vote for a candidate that it makes them absolved from having to make an informed decision. They think that voting is enough. It would be nice if that were the case but just saying you voted what for someone doesn’t make your vote meaningful. It makes it irresponsible. It’s ok to vote for what others think it the wrong person, so long as it was something you arrived at on your own.

Well, making the right decision, or an informed one, is no small task. There are problems all over with making the informed decision. You have to know what you are looking at. So here are some simple steps to knowing that you are making the right decision.

The first think you have to know is where these candidates stand on the issues that matter to you. Let’s say you have had to fill out an insurance claim with 21st Century Insurance because someone was wrongfully suing you for an accident you weren’t at fault for. Maybe this made you think that there were too many pointless and wrongful lawsuits. If that is something that you are passionate and determined to fix then you should find out what your local candidate feels.

You might not find direct information on that, but you can find out how they feel about the court system or what they feel about big businesses handling lawsuits. These are things that will help you immensely to make a choice that is about more than the last name of the candidate or who your friend told you to vote for. These elections are too important to you and your future to be flippant about your choice.

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3 MORE Things that Should Make You Want to Vote

WASHINGTON - APRIL 16:  U.S. Secretary of Educ...
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Voting is a very important part of the American process, and it’s one of the reasons why this nation’s political system has been so resilient through difficult times such as war, economic slumps, and so forth. However, importance within that process isn’t the only reason why voting is important. In a previous entry we discussed three good reasons to vote. Here are three additional reasons to motivate you to do your research and make your voice heard.

American Education Is a Hot Issue

Education in America hasn’t been very well ranked when compared to other first world countries. There are numerous stances on how this issue should be addressed, and it’s an important part of most political campaigns. With everything from funding cuts in extracurriculars to large sweeps of reform, you’ll find a political stance that’s favorable toward your perspective. Just check into the issue and make sure you vote for a politician who represents you appropriately.

Internet Freedoms Are Coming Into Question

The Internet has always remained a mostly free playing field for all those who want to compete in it. However, for a variety of commercial and political reasons, this won’t necessarily be the case forever. Groups in favor of allowing the commercial freedom of both internet providers and other groups are pushing to stop any “free internet legislation,” while many net neutrality activists are pushing the opposite direction. Which side are you on? More importantly, what side is your candidate on?

Unpopular Legislation Is Sometimes Necessary

There are many politicians who will back down from any piece of legislation, even one that has a lot for it, simply because it seems to be losing some degree of support. On the other hand, there are those who stick to their guns regardless. Do you want to have a politician who abandons their ideology when it comes under fire, or do you want someone who will stick to their path until the bitter end?

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Inspiring Others to Vote

Being able to inspire other individuals to take advantage of their right to vote is incredibly important. If given the opportunity, expressing the benefits of such a right can make a huge difference in one’s life and in the political environment. Inspiration is something that may be needed for some to take an interest in politics. It sounds quite unfortunate, but remains true for many who have not been accustomed with politics to any large extent.

It is also relevant to bring up that many may not be receptive, to certain extents. Yet expressing the pride and responsibility, as well as the ability to make a difference in a simple way can leave a lasting impression.

Inspiring young individuals to vote is one definite area that many should concentrate. It is important for the young population to take a stand for certain issues and other political topics. If this occurs, the political atmosphere will be enriched with the valued opinions and involvement of future generations. This is extremely important to have. Inspiring others to vote doesn’t just mean that of persuasion. Often it can just be a simple reminder.

This may be the case with many who plan on voting, but may not have it in the forefront of their mind. Of course, this is perfectly reasonable. Yet a friendly reminder can freshen one’s memory, enabling them to utilize their right to vote and plan it into their day. The most simple reminder or explanation of voting can make a large difference. It can remind voters of important dates as well as persuade individuals to consider what they may be missing by passing up such opportunities.

Take the time to inspire others to vote when given the chance. Even a simple reminder can encourage support within the community or the nation in an important election or vote, which ultimately makes a large difference.

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Non-Voting Statistics and Implications

Super Tuesday Vote Utah
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The statistics of non-voters is particularly unfortunate. With regards to the fundamental right to vote in the United States, it is underwhelming when non-voting statistics are considered.

According to statistics, anywhere between 55 and 65% of Americans vote. This number is more or less accurate according to the nation’s statistics over the past 20 years.

These numbers are according to presidential elections. Of course, local elections are not as easy to define, due to wide variety and relevancy according to the size of the community.

Complex statistics aside, it is easy to see from these basic statistics that the percentage of non-voters in the United States is considerable. With 35 to 45% of Americans not voting, it undermines one of the most fundamental rights intact, the right to vote.

With rises and falls in the statistics for presidential elections, it seems as if though there is no general trend, at least according to distinct rises or drops in voters and non-voters. The only constant trend seems to be that a large percentage of Americans do not vote.

The implications of this fact are immense. Most directly, this demonstrates that the voice of the vast majority of Americans able to vote is not heard. If Americans do not vote, then there is no way that they can make their vote count in regards to important issues.

One of the more particularly frustrating aspects, looking into the future, is the effect this could have on young and upcoming voters. If they are surrounded by influences that are either against or lack interest in regards to voting, then perhaps this could rub off on younger generations, and those to come.

However, due to the Internet and media campaigns, young voters are increasingly present in elections. Hopefully that trend does continue to curb the lack of voters present overall.

The potential effects and implications of non-voters in America remain to be seen. Perhaps ongoing efforts to realize the power of the right to vote will succeed in enabling more Americans to voice their opinions and support.