Applause, applause. Not only do I feel that it is a civic duty of every citizen to vote, I also feel that it is honoring our sisters (and brothers) who fought for our RIGHT to vote. Just remember, there was a time in this country when not everyone could vote (of course if you live in certain areas of this country, that may still hold true.  >:( ). I think by not voting, you are doing a dis-service to the country as well to the memory to those who came before us.



Cat


Thanks. I just think of the days when my grandparents couldn't do so without facing trouble, which included death. I think of those who struggled so I can vote each time I pull that lever.

Thanks. I just think of the days when my grandparents couldn't do so without facing trouble, which included death. I think of those who struggled so I can vote each time I pull that lever.
WOW!  They still pull levers somewhere in this country? LOL! :D  We've got those stupid butterfly ballots that got us in so much trouble about 6 years ago ::)

After reviewing my options, I think the only thing I'm going to vote for is governor (Blagojevich, not because I agree with him 100%, but I think Topinka is an utter horror) and the referendums on our local ballot (library district-Yes & General Sales tax increase-also Yes).

Looking back, I realize that many of the people I've voted for in the past may not have been the "best" choice, but I did so in order to try and keep people OUT of office rather than put someone else IN.  In those cases, I usually voted for the least well known candidate ;)

WOW!  They still pull levers somewhere in this country? LOL! :D  We've got those stupid butterfly ballots that got us in so much trouble about 6 years ago ::)

After reviewing my options, I think the only thing I'm going to vote for is governor (Blagojevich, not because I agree with him 100%, but I think Topinka is an utter horror) and the referendums on our local ballot (library district-Yes & General Sales tax increase-also Yes).

Looking back, I realize that many of the people I've voted for in the past may not have been the "best" choice, but I did so in order to try and keep people OUT of office rather than put someone else IN.  In those cases, I usually voted for the least well known candidate ;)


Hahaha, the lever to close that curtain I meant! lol - we use those ballots that you "stab" with the "pen" type thingie.

I will vote straight Democrat, though I'm not particularly fond of them right now.  I'm just so sick and tired of all the back and forth fighting.  But one thing I will say for the Democrats is that they don't fight dirty.  Republicans are the dirtiest S.O.B's out there.  My only hope is that the Democrats can win the house and then actually DO something!

I have to say, I'm disappointed in you guys that aren't voting.  It's certainly your right not to if you don't want to, but if everyone actually voted, perhaps we'd be able to elect more independent and "other party" candidates, and end all of this partisan B.S.  I hear people saying all the time that they don't vote because it won't make a difference.  But the reason it doesn't make a difference is because of all of the people that don't vote.  Apathy is going to bring our democracy down faster than any lying politician ever will.  Foo Bar illustrated this point beautifully.




I've been disappointed by most politicians lately, but I do partially agree about Republicans being rather dirty - moreso than the Democrats. Yet, I can't see myself voting for someone besides Schwarzenegger for Calif. governer, as I have seen improvement with his way of governing and I think he could help us even more.

As for voting goes in general, I have not voted since 2000. I was disappointed in our choices for 2004, that I just opted out - then one of my co-workers urged me at the last minute (or maybe last day), so I re-registered Republican and actually ended up not having the chance to vote... and then about 4 months later, I got a jury duty notice. I did go. I did not throw it away like some people do. So, at that point, I felt I served my civil duty just as much as if I had voted (and that was pure torture!)  ;D

Hahaha, the lever to close that curtain I meant! lol - we use those ballots that you "stab" with the "pen" type thingie.
DAMN!  We don't even get a curtain, just a "cubby" ::)  Gotta' love livin' in the boondocks ;D

You know, I've been registered for 17 years and NEVER have I been called to jury duty ???  Why do people automatically think if they register to vote, they automatically get called?  Do I not fit the "good juror" profile? ???

Georgia doesn't use a butterfly ballot or anything involving paper and a pin.  It's all electronic.  When I voted in the General Election back in 2004, you voted on a touch screen and at the end of the session, they showed you your ballot so if you thought you touched something mistakenly, you could go back and change it. 

Georgia doesn't use a butterfly ballot or anything involving paper and a pin.  It's all electronic.  When I voted in the General Election back in 2004, you voted on a touch screen and at the end of the session, they showed you your ballot so if you thought you touched something mistakenly, you could go back and change it. 


That's what they just started in Ohio in this May for the primaries.

You know, I've been registered for 17 years and NEVER have I been called to jury duty ???  Why do people automatically think if they register to vote, they automatically get called?  Do I not fit the "good juror" profile? ???


It's happened to me 3 times! I first registered in 2000, got a jury duty notice about 3 months later - I got out of it somehow.
I registered again when I moved in 2001, got one a few months later...
I registered again in 2004 after a move I made in 2003, and yep, a few months later, they came a-knockin'!!!

It was pitiful.  ;D

DAMN!  We don't even get a curtain, just a "cubby" ::)  Gotta' love livin' in the boondocks ;D


ROFL!! "We're movin' on up to the east side, to a deluxe apartment in the skyyyyy..." lol

Suburban life is grand! J/K. It's a trifle boring.

We used a Sharpie to connect the arrows last time.  I even had to show some poor illiterate Mexican-American how to vote for John Kerry with that ballot...he appreciated it.

I'd be all about voting machines if they were standardized throughout the nation and guaranteed to be hack-proof.  But since they are not, guess we'll have to live with what we got.


You know, I've been registered for 17 years and NEVER have I been called to jury duty ???  Why do people automatically think if they register to vote, they automatically get called?  Do I not fit the "good juror" profile? ???


You got lucky in the juror lottery.  I've been summoned three times...once I went, twice I got out of it because the county didn't update their records and I had to inform them that I lived in another state/another county respectively.  It's actually incredibly easy to get out of jury duty if you're really dead set on not serving it.

I've been called once, but got out of it because I was in school.  I don't want to be on a jury.....ever.  If I can find a way to get out of it, I will.

That's what they just started in Ohio in this May for the primaries.



I prefer the electronic touch screen to the butterfly ballot.  The first election I ever voted in was the 2000 General Election and Cook County (back when we were still living in Chicago, obviously) used the butterfly ballot and I hated it.  I couldn't figure out what I was doing and I didn't want to look like a moron and ask someone to help me.  The touch screen is so easy, a corpse could do it. 

I've been called once, but got out of it because I was in school.  I don't want to be on a jury.....ever.  If I can find a way to get out of it, I will.


I've been called twice, the last one happening earlier this year. The first time they tagged me with duty, it was called off. The reason? It was scheduled for September 11, 2001. :-\\

I won't be voting in the election tomorrow due to geographical issues. However, I will give you the run down on who I would be voting for.

This is in the state of Missouri.

Senate - Jim Talent (R)
House - Lacy Clay (D)
State Representative - There's only one name on the ballot in my district, Rachel Storch, a Democrat.. she's one of the hottest politicians around and I'd be proud to send her back for a second term.  ;D

In St. Louis county there is almost no point running as a Republican, I believe St. Louis is one of the strongest Democratic areas in the country. As you can see, I vote on issues, not party allegiance.


I understand Talent is in the minority with the prseident pushing against stem cell research.  What's the Democrat like?

I may get flamed for this and I really don't care if I do. :( >:(

Those that don't vote are part of the problem, not the solution. To me, their opinions are invalid because they don't express them through voting. How can you complain about something when you do nothing to change the situation. Sorry, but those opinions fall on my deaf ears. I vote in each election because I make my stance known. I have a lot at stake and through my voting actions, I intend to make a change towards any problems. Make an effort to learn the issues. Ignorance begets ignorance.


I hear this argument a lot, the "Don't Complain If You Didn't Vote" thing; I disagree with it.  Surely there must be some injustice horrible enough that would outweigh the fact that said complainers didn't vote for whatever candidate, right?  I think everyone has a right to complain if they feel like they're being treated unfairly, regardless of whether or not they took proper action. 

Another thing, I disagree with the whole MTV "Rock the Vote" concept and constantly pressuring young people to vote, not taking into account that some people may not be informed enough to vote.  Honestly, I believe it's a left wing ploy to take in impressionable young voters who tend to vote Democratic.  That may sound somewhat right-wing conspiratorial, but I'm not even one of those, in fact, I plan to register Democratic when I turn eighteen.  I still believe it's trying to manipulate younger voters to vote for Democrats without considering.

Another thing, I disagree with the whole MTV "Rock the Vote" concept and constantly pressuring young people to vote, not taking into account that some people may not be informed enough to vote.  Honestly, I believe it's a left wing ploy to take in impressionable young voters who tend to vote Democratic.


To be serious - yeah, you've got a point.  If a (social) conservative is (social) liberal who's been mugged, a(n economic) liberal is someone who's never seen the mugging that happens on a paycheck for a salary over $30K.

But better than rocking the vote - would be hacking the vote.

If any of us reading this are elected to House tomorrow, we can all know that the Diebold systems have been well and thoroughly cracked.

On the upside, if elections can be reduced to "the side with the best hackers wins", at least our tech policy will be determined by something other than the telco lobbyists or the MPAA/RIAA lobbyists. 

Win-win in my books.

I hear this argument a lot, the "Don't Complain If You Didn't Vote" thing; I disagree with it.  Surely there must be some injustice horrible enough that would outweigh the fact that said complainers didn't vote for whatever candidate, right?  I think everyone has a right to complain if they feel like they're being treated unfairly, regardless of whether or not they took proper action. 

Another thing, I disagree with the whole MTV "Rock the Vote" concept and constantly pressuring young people to vote, not taking into account that some people may not be informed enough to vote.  Honestly, I believe it's a left wing ploy to take in impressionable young voters who tend to vote Democratic.  That may sound somewhat right-wing conspiratorial, but I'm not even one of those, in fact, I plan to register Democratic when I turn eighteen.  I still believe it's trying to manipulate younger voters to vote for Democrats without considering.


Don't just complain - do something about it. Yes, it is silly to complain, but do absolutely nothing. The greatest reforms and movements came from those that actually got off their asses and did something, rather than just cry and complain. Hopefully, your opinion of this will change soon as you get older and have much more at stake. Seriously the ignorance excuse is just terrible and no longer convenient. Everything from the Internet, Cable, local tv, radio and word of mouth can give you the information you need.  Sorry, but the "I Don't Know the Issues" card is tired. The information is always out there. It's not like it's handed to you on the day prior to Election Day. If I asked you when a particular band's next album is coming out, I'd probably get the answer as quick as a microwaved burrito. But if I asked you about your views (or anyone in your age group) on stem cell research, without asking you to google the info (or god forbid, wikipedia it), the chances you could may be 25% (and I'm not picking on you personally, but as a teacher, I come across many young ones who really haven't the slightest clue or are just rehashing what their parents taught them as if they are robots). All I'm saying is that everyone is getting screwed. The ones at most stake? Those under 25. Imagine not knowing if you will even have social security when you retire. All I'm saying is to get prepared to say "Want fries with that?" when you are 65 or better yet, come from a family in the top 1%.

Btw, "Rock the Vote" had both Republican and Democratic units within. It wasn't partial to a party. It was just getting younger voters (and often the most apathetic voters) to get up and vote.

The current Republican party is the second coming of the Third Reich.

Demand for absolute executive authority.
Wars of aggression.
Government orchestrated destruction and massacres to inspire fear and obedience (9/11 = 1933 Reichstag fire)
Relentless jingoistic propaganda.
Incarceration without trial.
Torture, humiliation, and barbaric acts upon detainees sanctioned by the government.
Constant talk of "homeland" security.
Demonizing other races and religions.
Promoting fear of unseen enemies within.
Negation of voting rights.
Bizarre and arcane superstition as a tool of mass deception.
Repressed homosexuality rampant among the leadership.
Fear and hatred of women.
A penchant for vile and sadistical sexual practices in the upper echelons.
Government officials exempting themselves from the rule of law.

And a page from Mussolini:
Marriage of the corporation to the state.

Flame me all you like.  I can no longer be bothered to care.  The Germans were in denial too.  After the war, Allied forces had to drag German citizens to the remnants of the death camps.  These were Germans who lived as little as 10 km away.  The refused to believe what their government had done until Allied forces showed them after the fact.

The Republican party of today is not the Republican party of decades past.  This is a full-fledged fascist regime occupying one of our two major political parties.  In a two-party system, it was easier for the fascists to consume one of the parties rather than try to gain power with a third.

In a matter of hours I cast my ballot.  I'm rather optimistic about Massachusetts.  About the nation as a whole, I am despondant.

I understand Talent is in the minority with the prseident pushing against stem cell research.  What's the Democrat like?


Talent is the man! He's an actual conservative (something not very well thought of in todays Republican party) but he is willing to listen to opposing views and generally does what is best for the state and the nation, not what's best for his image. He's pro-life which I'm a bit tenuous on, but it's not something that really affects me.
He co-sponsored the flag burning bill, which I'm a big fan of. Here's what he said - "We should never support restricting anyone's right to say or write anything they want about the flag of America. But burning the flag is not speech; it is an act with expressive overtones, and that distinction is crucial for constitutional purposes."

He is almost on board with my 'subsidised healthcare' initiative. He's taking steps to cut out friviloous medical lawsuits and lower the costs of drugs for all citizens of the state. (Of course the wonderful Governor of Missouri cut the budget so much, health care is non-existent).

He's not so much 'pro stem-cell use' but he's said that in the future, if there were ways around the moral complications involved, he thinks it's a good use of resources.

I don't however agree with his stance on the war, but again, that's not something that's going to change any time soon. However, he has made good points regarding the economic affects of the war, which I agree with.

Clay has done a lot to alleiviate pressure on those in poverty in St. Louis (which as you may know, is a high number). I think anybody working to improve the city deserves support.

I'm a registered Democrat, but will be voting against a few Dems today.
NY has some corrupt incumbents that have to go!
>:(

Pennsylvania

Govenenor Ed Rendell (D)
Lt. Govenor Katherine Baker Knoll (D)
Write in for senate (Chuck Pennacchio)
Lois K. Herr (Democrat running for the 16 congressional seat)
State Senate Jason Leisley (D)
State Representitive Mike Sturla (D)

We just got back from the polls. We always have paper ballots where you either connect the arrow or fill in the oval (today it was fill in the oval). I voted for mostly Dems, a couple of Independents and 1 Progessive. For State Rep. I wrote in Carlos' name (there were two Repubs running unopposed). Afterwards, I found out that not only did Carlos wrote his own name in, he also wrote in my name. So I got ONE vote for State Rep.  ;D ;D 


I voted NO on all the "stuff" they have on the airport. Some members of our community are trying to up-grade our tiny airport. They have this mentality of "If you build it, they will come." For one thing, I don't think they will come and for another-I don't WANT them to come. I hate planes (and these will only be those small two-seaters or so.)



Cat

Pennsylvania

Govenenor Ed Rendell (D)
Lt. Govenor Katherine Baker Knoll (D)
Write in for senate (Chuck Pennacchio)
Lois K. Herr (Democrat running for the 16 congressional seat)
State Senate Jason Leisley (D)
State Representitive Mike Sturla (D)


So you didn't vote for Bob Casey, which would be such a better choice than Sangria (no worries I spelled his name wrong on purpose!)

Thanks for informing me (us) about how voting works in your country (and applause). I am always interested how things work in other counties.

Just curious, what percentage of elegible voters usually votes in your country (if you know)?
I just read an article that says that here in the U.S. only about 40% of voters vote in non-presidental elections and only about 60% vote in presidental elections.



Cat


Depends. General elections, I'd say about 60-70%. With local/municipal elections, it's about 50-60%. Then there's provincial elections (about 40-50%) and of course elections for the European government (roughly 40%). These are only estimates/rough guesses on my side, but I think you get the general view.

Depends. General elections, I'd say about 60-70%. With local/municipal elections, it's about 50-60%. Then there's provincial elections (about 40-50%) and of course elections for the European government (roughly 40%). These are only estimates/rough guesses on my side, but I think you get the general view.



Yeah, I do. It shows that voting is much higher in your country than it is in mine. What a shame that people in BOTH countries don't vote.




Cat

You all will be happy to know that I decided to vote...my husband and I both did....we voted for the lesser of 2 evils. ;)

You all will be happy to know that I decided to vote...my husband and I both did....we voted for the lesser of 2 evils. ;)


Glad that you voted Republican.

So you didn't vote for Bob Casey, which would be such a better choice than Sangria (no worries I spelled his name wrong on purpose!)

I helped  campaign for Chuck Pennacchio in the Primaries.  He and I became good friends.  He would have made a better Senator than Bobby or Ricky. :)

Well, I didn't vote.  I went there before class and they couldn't find my name.  SO, after about 30 minutes of them going through ALL of the registers for the ENTIRE area, and not finding me, I had to leave to go to class ???  This old lady that was trying to help me kept asking me if I had just moved to town.  I explained to her (about 5 times) that no, I had lived here for 6+ years and I've always lived at the same address so I have no clue WHY I wasn't on the polling list ::)

Six weeks ago I went to the town hall, filled out the little registration form, and gave it back to the clerk.
This morning I went down to the town hall again, gave the poll worker my name and address, she confirmed it, gave me a ballot, I filled it out, and handed it in.  That's the way I have voted every single time.  I have never had a problem. 

Then again, Massachusetts has never been a "key battleground state," and that makes all the difference.

The Republicans want as few people voting as possible.  Paul Weyerich said so himself.  If the Republicans honestly thought they had a mandate from the masses, they wouldn't get up to all this skuldeggery.  They are worried about "voter fraud," so they say.  There were several cases of voter fraud reported today already...all cases perpetuated by Republicans!
::)

I voted a couple hours ago, no problems at all. I voted for all Democrats because I believe it is time for change.

On the state issues:

Issue 2: Minimum wage raised to $6.85, YES
Issue 3: Slot machines, YES
Issue 4: limited smoking ban constitutional amendment that would override existing local smoking bans, NO
Issue 5: smoking ban state law, YES

I voted a couple hours ago, no problems at all. I voted for all Democrats because I believe it is time for change.

On the state issues:

Issue 2: Minimum wage raised to $6.85, YES
Issue 3: Slot machines, YES
Issue 4: limited smoking ban constitutional amendment that would override existing local smoking bans, NO
Issue 5: smoking ban state law, YES


Any raise in the minimum wage is better than none, but around here $6.85 still doesn't get you jack sh*t!

Any raise in the minimum wage is better than none, but around here $6.85 still doesn't get you jack sh*t!


Well at least $6.85 is more in Ohio than in Massachusetts lol.

You all will be happy to know that I decided to vote...my husband and I both did....we voted for the lesser of 2 evils. ;)



Good for you-and applause.




Cat

You all will be happy to know that I decided to vote...my husband and I both did....we voted for the lesser of 2 evils. ;)

I'm glad you voted Democratic.

I'm glad you voted Democratic.



hmm...maybe I voted for a bit of each? ;)

You all will be happy to know that I decided to vote...my husband and I both did....we voted for the lesser of 2 evils. ;)


Good to hear you voted, whether you voted DEM, GOP, or a bit of both, make your voice heard!