Voting in the United States

People from around the world are literally dying to come to the United States of America. They want to come for economic opportunities, for freedom from oppression, for a chance at the American dream.

Those people have not been tainted by the apathy that so many American citizens exhibit in these times. The people wanting to come to the U.S.A. would enjoy having an opportunity to vote, to have a say in how their governments represent them. American citizens have been lulled to sleep by the games the politicos play-perhaps the intention of those politicians all along.

After the fiasco of the 2000 presidential election, where the United States Supreme Court essentially determined who would become president, it is more difficult to defend the oft heard reason why people don't vote: "My vote doesn't count anyway."

There are plenty of issues that require change in the United States; first and foremost the chaotic and undependable voting system, but those changes aren't going to happen if people aren't paying attention and making their voices heard.

Our elected officials aren't privy to the conversations over the water cooler, at the coffee shop, or even at the dinner table. Despite it seeming as if politicians have lots of time on their hands, quite often just the opposite is true. Some of them do seek to obtain feedback from their constituents; many more don't make the effort.

If you want your voice to be heard-and you should-you need not only to register to vote, or even just to vote (but that is a big step in the right direction), but you need to become an informed voter. Know the pros and cons of issues; understand the platforms upon which the candidates stand.

Votes count, no matter the size of the election. When you consider your local elections, don't dismiss them as unimportant. The smaller the election, the more clout each individual vote truly has. And aren't local issues a great place to begin to make changes?

No matter how much the media play up the "red" states and the "blue" states, don't be deceived. Your vote is important. Your voice is important. Don't be marginalized by the media or the big political machines. You can be sure that lobbyists and corporations are making their voices heard-and they are no more or less important than you are.

Write or call your legislators and local officials with your concerns. It can make a difference. Encourage your friends and co-workers to do the same. When elected officials begin to see that their constituents are paying attention to what's going on, it could very well influence the way they do their jobs. They are our representatives, after all.

Voting is the right of every American citizen; I happen to believe it is also a responsibility.