Let me preface with this. I know this is likely to be a very unpopular blog post. If you're easily offended, I think perhaps you should reconsider reading this. You've been warned.
I am soooo ready for this political "season" to end. But not for the reason you might be thinking. It's not because of the political commercials or even the signs and many fliers that have been clogging up my mailbox. No, I'm ready for it to be done so I can stop feeling irrationally angry at my various "friends" on social media.
Ok, here's where the "unpopular" part comes in. I am NOT one who will say "I don't care how you vote, just get out there and vote." Quite honestly this statement irks me to no end. If you are resorting to "inny minny miny mo" then please...just stay home. If you cannot make an informed decision, then what's the point? I also have very little patience for people who vote "the ticket" without researching where their affiliated party candidate truly stands on things. Now, I know what you're thinking...it's often hard to find good un-biased info, but for crying out loud, at least try.
Furthermore...what does "I don't care how you vote..." really mean? Of course I care. You probably do too if you're being honest. If no one really cares, then please explain why so many people will be glued to the TV watching the little scrolling vote count as the precincts start reporting? Maybe it's the competitive beast in me...but I do care. I care how you vote. I care because it directly affects whether or not "my" person wins or loses. I know I like to "win," don't you?
Oh...and don't get me started on the people who chose to ignore voting all together because they don't like either presidential candidate. Quite frankly the local elections (that seem to get ignored by most voters) have a more immediate and direct affect on your community. If you don't know, don't vote! I'd much rather leave a spot blank than wrongfully and ignorantly vote for someone who has no business sitting on the judge bench, or on the Board of Education, or whatever. You don't know? Don't vote. I don't think there has been an election yet where I haven't had to leave at least one spot blank. Maybe that's a "shame on me" for not thoroughly researching it enough...but I'd rather not vote than find out later I voted wrong!
Now, I'm not even saying you have to agree with my opinion on things. You don't have to have the same core values and beliefs that shape how and who I vote for (although, if you did that would be fabulous because as we've already established...I like to win), but please be informed as to which candidate best meshes with your beliefs. Be informed about local judges and what kind of people they're putting back on the streets. Be informed about what kind of county sheriff you want overseeing your community (and your community's jails!). Be informed about what state and local "issues" and levies are on the ballot. Vote informed or don't vote at all.
