V-O-T-E

The NaBloPoMo theme for October is vote, and I just watched the last presidential debate (thanks, DVR), so...now a rant. 

Many states' voter registration deadlines have already passed, but you can find out here when your deadline is coming up, and the other laws regarding your state and how to make a change this November. Lucky you, Connecticut, you have until November 3 to register to vote, so no excuses. Maine, they're even more lax on you, you can register to vote on election day. That Web site also lists the laws pertaining to absentee ballots, if you're not currently in your state and won't be on November 4. Ever heard of early voting? Click on the words early vote to see if your state participates. This makes it easier for people who may be traveling or out-of-state on election day. College kids? Take your laundry home, get a meal cooked by mom (or dad) and cast a ballot if your state is on Rock the Vote's list.

Look, I don't care how you do it, who you do it for or what your reasons are. I just want you to vote. If you haven't, check out Barack Obama and John McCain's Web sites and read into the issues that matter to you most. The campaign slogans and ads won't get you anywhere as far as being an educated voter is concerned, but both of those Web sites break down the candidate's take on an issue by topic and everyone has issues that matter to them. 

In this country, voting has really come a long way. In 1776, most of the people I know wouldn't have been going to the polls in November. The privilege was only given to white, property owning, Protestant males who were over the age of 21. In 1830, states dropped the religion and property ownership aspect of the law, but only my while, male friends could speak their mind every four years. The 15th Amendment happened in 1870, giving African American males the right, nation wide (still, had it been me, I would have been bugging my male friends to cast a vote for me). In 1920, we passed the 19th Amendment, a woman's right to vote, and in 1947 Native Americans could hit the polls. Now, all of us, 21 and older are pulling levers and bubbling in bubbles and hanging our chads. 

1971? Big deal. The U.S. decided that if you could go to war and die for your country, you could help choose your Commander-in-Chief at 18. 

It's important, and for most of us, that right has not always been there. This country was founded when colonists sought to escape a monarchy and royal blood. We formed a system that allows us, as citizens, to help choose who makes our decisions and represents us on a global scale. (Though, the electoral college still blows my pretty little mind, I'm working on it) Bi-partisan may not be the best way to go and I'm pretty sure you have to be insane to run for president, but the point is, we have a choice that a lot of people don't have. 

If nothing else, don't listen to me, listen to third debate moderator, Bob Schieffer's mom - "Go vote, it'll make you feel big and strong." (Plus, when you need to complain about something after November 4th, you'll have a right to...) 

Seriously...you have a little under a month to get your political rear in gear. 

Thanks for reading.