Hells yeah!

I said I wasn't going to do it, but I can't help myself. I'm watching the election coverage and holy freaking crap...Obama just took Ohio...o.O.

Electioneering

Early voting ended this week and in true Microbiologist XX fashion, I procrastinated. I waited until the last day to cast my vote. I was prepared for a serious wait, so I brought along my iPod loaded up with a few pod casts to help the time pass quicker. To my surprise, it only took 30 minutes.

Although I make a point not to discuss politics, I wanted to post about why I vote despite residing in a red state. Meaning, my vote for president isn't really going to count. My state does not split electoral votes and unless hell freezes over, this state is not likely to turn blue.

Anyway, here are some of my everyday reasons.

1. You never know what might happen. No to Pollyanna out on you, but if every non-republican in this state voted, instead of taking the attitude of "why bother" (I admit I'm tempted every election) maybe things might turn out differently. It could happen.

2. Voting sends a message. Although my state is unlikely to cast its share of electoral votes for a democrat, it might come closer than ever. If a record number of my state's residents vote for Obama, it sends the message that this state is getting more liberal. Since politicians prefer to get reelected, this might influence their behavior...just a little.

3. State and Local elections. There are many issues to vote on and people to vote for at the city and state level where your vote counts directly. This year, voting for school board members was a particularly strong motivation.

4. A license to bitch and moan. If you don't vote, then you forfeit your right to complain about the government until the next election. That is just not something I am willing to sacrifice.

5. It's my right. At the end of the day, I vote because I can.