Voting isn't something that was ever talked about much in my house growing up. I'm not even sure if my mom did or does vote but if so, it isn't something she shared with me growing up so it's not something I really thought about much either. Not something I'm proud of, but true. This coming November at the age of twenty eight I'll cast my very first ballot. These past few years I've started to get involved with politics a lot more, I've taken a look around me, analyzed what I saw, discovered what I believe in and learned not only how important those beliefs are BUT the fact that if I don't do anything about them there's no point caring about them at all. I spent the first half of 2008 watching debates, listening to people speak, doing research on the internet, and learning to understand how the whole political process works. I know there is still so much more to be learned and I know I will work to learn because of the fact that I'm inspired. How special is that? To feel inspired to change, to learn, to make a difference instead of sitting around complaining about how things are. What right did I have to complain if I wasn't doing anything about it? 2008 is history making. Whether you're Democrat, Republican, or independent. Young or old, what's going on in the United States right now is new, different, INSPIRING. We have our first African American accept a nomination for president. We have a woman on a ticket for vise president. We have young people watching, learning, getting involved in ways that they haven't in the past. We have confirmed Republicans who plan to vote Democrat for the first time in some of their lives as well as Democrats who will vote Republican for the first time. Its amazing to me and I'm proud to be a part of it.
I was glued to the TV this past week soaking it all in, hanging on the words of a hope for the future. Soon, Republicans will have their convention and have the chance to do the same thing. How lucky are we to have the right to seek knowledge and find our inspiration, who we believe in, and then cast a ballot accordingly? I won't let that opportunity pass me by again. I'm excited to be a part of it, to actually have my say heard for the first time.
So, red or blue, young or old, rich or poor, don't silence your voice. Let it be heard. I plan to.
14 comments:
Well said, Kelley. I've been watching all week too and I can't remember a time when I've been so excited about casting my vote. There's no room for complaint about how things are going if we don't take the time to vote. This is our country and this is our responsibility.
Kelley, great blog!!!
You are right, this election is huge....it will change history either way!!! I'm proud to be part of this country!!!
I'm not American, when we vote for Prime Minister, he don't get to vote who is the head of which party Progressive Conservative, Liberal, New Democratic Party blah, blah. So really sometimes I think it's voting for the lesser of the two evils. PC is too right wing.
Anywho, I have been watching a bit and learning from American friends about your election.
If I was American I know who I would vote for. A change is coming to your country and I think it's about time, I feel it, and I think it'll be good.
Now can I have that good change up here please? LOL!
Sorry we don't even directly vote for the Prime Minister. Most votes for a party and the leader of that party is PM.
Which sucks. I want to vote for my leader, because basically if you like a PM, but the guy in your area sucks ... *sigh*
Great blog post - I had to comment. This is THE most important election in the Untied States. The Presidential election is what sets the tone for world-wide politics.
This is a historical election - its significance will be the talk of generations to come.
Regardless of your politcal affiliation, it's VITAL that everyone who's eligible to vote to get out there and well, vote. I think the statistics for presidental elections are around 50% voter turnout. Having 50% of the population make a very important decision for the other half is just not right.
Excercise your right to vote!
Valerie
I think we forget sometimes how much power we really have through our votes. It's in our hands and it's a wonderful feeling. Change is in the air and it's good.
Regina, Thanks. You're right its our country and our responsibility.
Tonya, Same here.
Amy, Wow. I didn't know that about the way your voting goes. That's crazy. Yeah, I know who I'm voting for here and I'm so excited to cast it.
Valerie, Thanks! Yes this is the most important election. I couldn't agree more. You are so right, no matter who everyone feels the need to vote for, the important part is they go out there and DO IT!
I've only missed one election in my entire time of being of voting age and that wasn't even my fault (clerk's office employee not knowing what she was doing).
Since I was old enough to walk (and probably before that) my parents took me into the polling booth--the old kind that you had to pull the lever, which I thought was so cool because I got to pull the lever to open the curtain back up). Now that I have kids I take them as well (unfortunately we don't have the same curtained voting booths anymore). I explain to them how it works, and why it's important. My oldest is counting down the days he can vote and is excited that it will be a Presidential Election that he will first get to cast his votes on -in 2012. He's been watching the convention and discussing the issues with his classmates and I'm very impressed with the number of kids at his school that are paying attention.
It bothered me to see an news reporter interviewing protestors at the convention and so many had no clue who any of our elected officials were. I would bet that if they questioned them further about the "causes" they were protesting they wouldn't have a clue where the candidates or elected officals even stood.
If we could only vote out the use negative political ads....
Yep, I'll be out there voting too. I'm not sure who I'll be voting for though. LOL Anyone else having a hard time deciding? I'm not seeing you gals have that problem. I guess it's just me who's unsure.
We're like that with our kids, Laura. My son who is 22 actually went out with college friends and knocked on doors campaigning. That makes me proud. My 17 yr. old daughter of so upset she can't vote in this election but I'll be getting her a tee shirt to wear. As a family, we stay involved in what's going on in the world.
Great blog. Something that really needs to be said. Too often we get complacent and take what we have for granted, when we really need to step up and make a difference. Thanks for giving us a mental jog.
Good Blog! I proud my young adult children (son 22 and daughter 21)are paying attention and discussing the choices with us.
Anne R - I know lots of people who aren't sure how they want to vote. It will definitely be an interesting election!
Judith, Thanks!
Marthae, yes it will be an interesting election.
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