Why would I want to vote? Not a question that usually asked aloud, but many people ask themselves this every election season. Sure you voted for Barack Obama or even John Mc Cain, but in 2010 or 2011 when there are other local, state or federal elections will you think it’s important to cast that ballot? I’m here to appeal to you to vote and vote often. No, don’t vote more than once for the same candidate in the same election year; that’ll get you sent to prison…lol. What I’m saying is vote every time there is an election. I’ll tell you why. We all have all the argument that people have suffered mentally and physically for our fundamental right to vote and while I don’t discredit what they have done because I really commend the movement. My rational is that appeal hasn’t worked for young professionals. So instead of trying to appeal to your emotions, I will appeal logically.

When you vote for the top of the ticket, you vote for what you believe in and the promises that they are making to get you to support them in the election. What you don’t realize that is that in order to make those promises they committed to, they need support down the ticket. A good analogy is like having a car with no wheels. Although your car cost you 15,000 when you got it from the dealership, it still can’t go anywhere with out those tires that cost 800.00. Barack Obama right now is flying around the country promoting his health care and many of you may agree or disagree with that agenda. There are crazy tea baggers going around with weapons protesting it, they’re even ripping up posters of Rosa Parks from older ladies who simply to make sure their voices are heard. All of this could be avoided if all those state and U.S. representatives and senators would support the plan.

This health care, immigration and Supreme Court nominees are big issues that get heavy exposure on all media outlets, but what about the smaller issues that affect us and our pockets. In 2007, a few candidates for mayors pledged no new tax increase. This is something that was already approved by the voters of Davidson County and it takes a majority vote in favor of raising taxes by the voters to make an increase which is difficult. Sad to say not many people came out to oppose or approve it although it was approved. Those small opportunities to vote are just as important because they affect you and your pockets.

All this to say is when I asked you “Why would I want to vote?” This is why. It’s because perceived small races for councilman and school board are just as important as that vote for Phil or Barack. Because you want to keep taxes low or you want your child to go to a good well funded school.

So please vote, and vote often!

Labels: Elections