Many people get discouraged in the voting process. Because our country is so populated many voters may feel their vote for a candidate may not count. If you do your research, it’s easy to realize that we aren’t just voting to put people in office. We’re voting for real life decisions that will affect us immediately in the form of propositions, otherwise known as “ballot measures.”
Voter Discontent = Bad Voter Turnout
Voters are discouraged, and that’s why voter turnout was just 62% in 2008, and only 60% in 2004.
Where many discouraged voters go wrong is not recognizing there are more than presidential and congressional seats in the balance. We are also voting for people that represent them close to home. Boards of Education, local judges and who represent us at the state level isn’t something 300,000,000 people influence. Just those that live in your district or county. Make sure you aren’t just doing your research on Obama v. Romney. Make sure you do your research on those close to home as well!
Disenfranchised voters
Some people are disenfranchised by politicians they voted for-and don’t care to vote for candidates again. I know some people that are frustrated with President Obama because they think he legislates more like a Republican than a Democrat. Other’s don’t want to vote for Mitt Romney because they believe he’s a liberal masquerading as a conservative.
Do Your Research: What You Can Influence Immediately
As a country we do get to pick who represents us. If we don’t feel like they represented our best interests, we can vote to fire them. It’s the beauty of the Republic. But there is something that disenfranchised voters CAN DIRECTLY influence in this election: PROPOSITIONS.
You may not like the decisions legislators are making in office. But we the people get to make the decision to vote up or down a proposition that’s presented to us. Nearly every ballot has ballot measures.
There are supremely important propositions we’re voting on in California this election. To repeal the death penalty, greater punishment for sex traffickers, and to increase the California State Income Tax by 0.4-2% for 12 years are a few of them.
On my ballot I’m selecting 12 people out of 27 candidates listed on the ballot to fill offices ranging from President of the United States to the San Diego School Board. Once they’re representing me in these offices, I can’t control what they do. But I can, with my vote, control the outcome of a proposition.
Here’s the crux of what I’m trying to say: there’s more than just candidates to vote for. There’s legislation that YOU get to influence. It’s time to do your research and know what you’re voting about.
How to you do your research: Find out who, and what, you’re voting on
It might seem daunting, but don’t be discouraged. Here’s some easy steps to get you rolling as you do your research and influence the electoral process:
Step 1: Register to Vote
I lived in Texas the past 7 years and just registered to vote in California. It was super easy at OurTime.org.
Step 2: Find Where To Do Your Research
If you find yourself leaning to the Left or to the Right you can easily find websites that’ll will tell you how to vote for your team. I encourage you to be informed outside of far Liberal or far Conservative sites. There’s a lot of other political views on the spectrum. Did you know that there aren’t just two candidates running for president? Did you know that Roseanne Barr, of television fame, is on the ballot for President?
The best source of information to do your research is your local or county voting guide. This is usually mailed to registered voters.
Unfortunately when I lived in Texas, I could never find one. It was absurd. Your best bet is to Google your county, state, and the words “voter guide.” For example: Smith County Texas Voter Guide. Take a look at Ballotpedia as well.
Step 3: Where Do I Even Vote?
OurTime.org’s website has a great FAQ page to help guide anyone that needs more information on where to vote, how to register, and what they may need to bring to the polls.
Step 4: What else can I do
Consider volunteering for a campaign you believe in!
Read more: Join The Cause! Volunteer For A Political Campaign
A final note
Remember, this election you’re not just voting for your favorite party. You’re voting for real candidates who may or may not represent your best interests. Beyond that, YOU get to vote on behalf of your best interests through the ballot measures (propositions). It’ll take some reading, but make sure you do your research. You don’t want to be surprised if you voted for or against increased taxes, do you??