Politics Blog Special: Election Day!

Image source: https://evilleeye.com/news-commentary/commentary/election-measures-c-d-f-oakland-tribune-editorial/

​Today is election day in America. This is your big chance to get out and VOTE! Find your polling place here.
 
Still deciding? Not sure if it’s worth your time?
 
Here are my top 5 reasons to vote:

1. You are an American and that is what we do. We are fortunate to live in a country that truly values democracy. What is it like elsewhere in the world? Cuba is a communist state where the wealthy rule. In Turkmenistan, a “democracy” on paper, government representatives do not act in the public interest, denying the freedoms of association, expression and religion. In Saudi Arabia, an absolute monarchy ruled by the King, the government is based on Islamic law and is dominated by the royal family. Torture and harsh punishment, such as amputation of hands and feet for robbery, are common.
2. ​Your vote matters—especially if you live in a swing state. If you were paying attention in 8th grade civics class, or have watched CNN lately, you will know that the candidate who receives the majority of electoral votes (270) wins the presidency. In Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, New Hampshire, Ohio, Michigan, Arizona and Nevada, the race is extremely close and every vote counts. Just ask Al Gore about the importance of Florida.
3. You’re a woman or you love someone who is. For the first time in U.S. history, a woman has accepted a major party’s nomination for president. No matter how you feel about Hillary Clinton (I’m with her!), this is a milestone that deserves, at the very least, the courtesy of being taken seriously. The way you can take it seriously is to exercise your right to vote. It only took us 240 years to get here.
4. You want to set a good example for your children. We all know that children learn by example. What kind of example do we set if we sit this one out? We’re telling our kids that being part of our democracy is not important. That we don’t have a voice. And that is the wrong message to send to our youth.
5. You care about the future of this country. This election has BIG implications for what lies ahead. The balance of the Supreme Court, how we will deal with threats like ISIS, where we stand in world affairs, human rights, gender equality—you know, little things like that.

 
Honestly, I could write so much more on this subject if I weren’t at home caring for a sick toddler today.
 
The bottom line is: voting is both a right and a privilege. Don’t take it for granted.