You can't blame this one on a hanging chad

I wrote a really long, grand post on voting last night. I stressed the importance of finding a candidate you most identify with, even if you have to make some concessions*.

At one point, I wrote that I understood people who become so disillusioned by the process that they end up not voting. That’s when I deleted the whole post and started this one.

Because I don’t understand that. The disillusionment, I get. Excusing yourself from your most basic civic duty? I don’t get that. I don’t understand that kind of apathy.

I remember hearing people during the 2004 elections say, “If you don’t vote, you can’t complain”. I was legal to vote by exactly 9 weeks and I already felt the telling cynicism of this statement. I wondered, Is this what I have to look forward to for the rest of my voting life?

But over the years, I’ve been able to realize that the alternative of this sentiment is even more powerful.

If you don’t vote, you miss out on the ability to feel proud when your elected official does something worthwhile. The ability to fist pump when a good bill is passed, or when a bad bill is voted out in committee.

Sure, missing out on complaining isn’t all that motivating. But missing out on the ability to fist pump when they get it right? I can’t imagine we all aren't in favor of a fist pump. So go vote. Please. Even if you're voting in opposition to everything I am voting in favor of.

If that doesn't motivate you, you should know you get a FREE sticker! See:

*Cough, MN gubernatorial election, cough.