why vote?
Brent Finnegan -- November 6th, 2006
Ok, so this isn’t really local news, but this political tornado is going to die down after tomorrow night, so…
I decided long ago to adopt a policy of asking someone whether or not they vote before engaging in a political discussion with them. If the answer is no, the conversation is over. Otherwise, listening to someone (who doesn’t vote) complain about the way government is being run is a waste of my time. Maybe that’s a bit harsh, but that’s where I’m coming from.
Reason number one: Allen and Webb are neck-and-neck. Everyone’s trying to call this one way or the other, but I think no one will know until Tuesday night. If the latest Mason-Dixon poll is accurate, Webb has 46 percent, Allen has 45, Parker still has 2, and 7 percent are undecided. 7 percent!? No one knows where this is election is going.
Reason number two: I wouldn’t have thought so a month ago, but there’s actually a slim chance that the marriage amendment will get voted down. I wouldn’t hold your breath, but wouldn’t that be something?
Reason number three: While this is technically a state election, this election (combined with all the other state elections) determines the outcome of who controls the House and Senate. With the Webb-Allen race so close, and control of Congress teetering on a knife’s edge, it’s shocking to still talk to people who are registered, but either don’t plan to vote, or people who think that elections only take place once every four years.
If you don’t think your vote will count, you’re not paying attention.
-finnegan
I agree with your policy on political conversations. The way I look at it, voting earns me the right to complain!
I’m hopeful that the outcomes will be in line with how I vote, but I am wary that our state could get caught up in the ugliness of a recount.
A recount would suck.
An interesting development on the issue of the marriage amendment — I’ve read two local blogs recently that advocate abstaining from voting on the marriage amendment.
Eric Curren is voting no, but says folks who are unsure should just not vote on that amendment at all.
And that’s exactly the conclusion Myron (Republitarian) has come regarding number one.
I vote, and I will vote tomorrow. But you are much more optimistic than I regarding the significance of MY vote and OUR vote tomorrow. The options stink, as usual, and I find myself once again voting against the perceived worst of very few options.
“Choose Allen or Webb”? Surely we can do better than that.
Voting on a constitutional amendment that is legally worthless but significant in public political perception to be wielded by the “winning” side in future political battles.
Will I get to register a meaningful vote for “Hold Goodlatte to his Contract with America”?
How can y’all get so excited about all this?
I can understand your position (not liking the candidates) and I’m not naive enough to believe that this election will drastically change the US course in Iraq. But with amendments on the ballot, you’re voting directly for state law/policy.
So, I say if you feel that way, go ahead and skip the candidates. Just vote on the amendments.