A Week to Go

In one week, we'll reach Election Day in America. And many, many of those Americans out there will do... nothing.

It's a shame, really. Around the world, when given the opportunity, people will line up for days, walk a hundred miles, and quite often take their lives into their own hands to exercise a right to vote.

And here, in the self-proclaimed home of democracy, for many it's too much trouble.

It's too much trouble to become a truly informed voter. And by informed voter, I mean someone who's answer to the question, "Why are you voting for ___________" does not include any of the following type of statements:

• He looks good in a suit (I've heard it)
• Any soundbite heard in a commercial
• Anything that's a negative soundbite on the opponent ("The other guy wears puppies for clothes.")
• He has an honest face

Vote! But more importantly, be an Informed Voter. Know what the candidates believe for their values and beliefs. Become educated on their positions beyond the ads you'll hear on TV and radio.

There are videos at Federal Voting Assistance Program which show how empty commercials can be. There are campaign commercials for "Bag of Leaves" or "Old Relish Packet", for example, that have the traditional look and feel of campaign commercials. And it's non-information like those types of ads that many people base their vote on.

Educate yourself. Find out what the candidates believe. Watch a debate. Look at their websites. Ask them a question. Think about what's important to you. And try to imagine what a candidate might do in a situation that hasn't yet been envisioned.



And I have one more idea. And this is perhaps most important. When you vote, dye your finger. Show the nation that you have voted and be PROUD of it. You're continuing a long tradition for which many people around the world have died.