Election time has arrived and the "get out the vote" people are out in full force and I am commonly asked this time of year who I plan to vote for and the answer is "NO ONE", I am a Libertarian and would vote for Bob Barr if I thought my vote would count but because of the out dated electorial college system I plan on spending election day in my arm chair drinking a cocktail watching the returns on tv, you see like many other Rocky Mountain states, Utah is now solidly Republican. In fact, in 2004, Utah was the “reddest” state of all, with George W. Bush getting about three votes for every one for John Kerry so unless I plan on voting Republican my vote just doesn't count, not only does my vote not count but I am essentially signing up for jury duty by registering to vote.
The Electorial college has become tool to maintain a two party system, a popular vote would allow other parties to extend the conversation beyond abortion and illegal immigration and give this country the opportunity for real change.
The National Popular Vote people (http://www.nationalpopularvote.com/) are working very hard to reform this system and when they do I will be out there punching holes in some cardboard "making my voice heard" but until then or unless I move to a "swing state" you will not see me lining up for jury duty - Raphael
P.S. why not put people who appy for unemployment in the jury pool? they don't have a job so they have lots of free time to sit around and judge people plus they get paid $10 a day.
5 comments:
Hmmm, I'm basically Libertarian as well, but I plan on voting anyway, even though in my solidly blue state my vote will not count. To me, I feel like I have a duty to vote, and I always take that responsibility seriously. I always research the candidates carefully (for ALL positions, not just the big ones) and vote with my conscience. Sometimes, I am unable to make a decision between the two major parties so I go third party. I did that with the 2000 general election.
To make every vote in every state politically relevant and equal in presidential elections, support the National Popular Vote bill.
The National Popular Vote bill would guarantee the Presidency to the candidate who receives the most popular votes in all 50 states (and DC). The bill would take effect only when enacted by states possessing a majority of the electoral votes (270 of 538). When the bill comes into effect, all the electoral votes from those states would be awarded to the presidential candidate who receives the most popular votes in all 50 states (and DC).
The National Popular Vote bill has been approved by 21 legislative chambers (one house in CO, AR, ME, NC, and WA, and two houses in MD, IL, HI, CA, MA, NJ, RI, and VT). It has been enacted into law in Hawaii, Illinois, New Jersey, and Maryland. These states have 50 (19%) of the 270 electoral votes needed to bring this legislation into effect.
see http://www.NationalPopularVote.com
To be involved in the National Popular Vote bill effort . . .
You can check the status of the bill in your state at http://www.NationalPopularVote.com/pages/statesactivity.php
If it's still in play in your state, let your legislator(s) know what you think. If you need help to identify and/or contact your state representatives, senators, and/or governor about National Popular Vote, you can search by your zip code using online sites such as http://www.congress.org/congressorg/home .
Sign up to get email updates - http://www.NationalPopularVote.com/pages/getemailupdates.php
Help get the word out and show your support.
Tell a friend- http://www.NationalPopularVote.com/pages/tellafriend.php
Distribute literature at political, civic, or other meeting, convention, or conference.
Post on discussion groups.
Write letters to editors, OpEds, and/or blog.
Responses to many common misinformed critiques are at http://nationalpopularvote.com/pages/faq.php
Up-to-date information and materials are at http://www.NationalPopularVote.com/pages/explanation.php
susan
Theresa, while I don't necessarily agree with you not voting - it is a privilage that we have in the United States - I do think you have a novel idea that you mentioned in your P.S. concerning those that are unemployed. : )
P.S. I stumbled upon your blog completely by accident, but I have to say ... you have a wonderful family. ; )
~ Johni_B
I already left a comment. Did you delete it?
:( Carla
Nope, I don't think I ever saw a comment on this subject from you Carla. I will respond to the others with this, I don't have a obligation to anyone or anything other than my family and my post was stating that the system is broken and designed to keep the two main parties in power and I refuse to participate in this farce.
Post a Comment