After having a discussion last AP government class about the influence our vote had towards the outcome in a presidential election, I began to think if it was even necessary for the citizens of this nation to participate. One way to see this is that the voters are simply wasting their time going to the polls near their house on election day. Also, the feelings one has after voting of satisfaction and helpfulness towards making a better America can be ridiculed as an overexageration of one's place towards the outcome.
Although, even with all this said and done, I can not imagine not voting for my first time in the 2008 presidential election. I will even be disapointed with the millions of Americans who decide not to vote come election day. If it were my choice, I would modernize the voting system we have in elections and have it strictly be a national vote without any electoral influence. But that does not mean I will not vote with the format we have now until that is accomplished because I want to be an involved American- especially concerning politics. If people are complaining about the electoral college's vote in their state, then they should have chosen better people that represent their state more accurately. People need to be just as concerned voting for their state's electoral college as voting for the President of the United States because of the reasons stated above.
I support groups like "vote or die" (celebrity based) or any other organization focused on getting more people to vote in presidential elections. If everyone in the nation voted, then maybe our government would allow the people to have more responsibilty and influence in the next election. Maybe they would place more trust in the people of America to make a educated decision. Because, I do feel like my trust is violated, and my knowledge underestimated, but until a Utopia of government policies, laws, and amendments are made, I need to support the system we have now and put my voice and opinions out their by voting.
-JSLD
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2 comments:
After that discussion we had in class, I also wondered if there was any point in me voting, because it didn't really seem like there was if the next president is picked by the electoral college rather than by the national vote. I ended up realizing that I wouldn't let myself not vote. Even though my vote doesn't have a lot influence, the electoral college still looks at the national vote and basis its decision off of that. I agree with you when you say that if more people went out to vote it would show congress that we are responsible enough to pick the leader of our nation. When election time comes around and less than 50 percent of the population votes it just shows congress that we simply don't care so why should they give all power over to us. If you really care and want to have an influence than vote for a Congress member that repsresents your ideas, and then come election day encourage people to go out there and vote.
My block had a similar discussion and I too questioned the importance of “regular” people like me voting. I am discontent with the fact that the electoral college’s votes are the only votes that really count, but I, like you, want to be actively involved. I want to participate and let my voice be heard. I personally cannot wait to vote in the 2008 elections and don’t understand why people wouldn’t take advantage of the opportunity. I think you made a good point about the importance of voting for the electoral college, because they ultimately are our voice. If we want to be heard, we’ve got to work with what we’re given, and we really are given a great opportunity to affect our government.
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