While I'm *trying* not to take sides on my blog because I know some of my readers fall on both sides of the isle, I've been posting funny things related to the elections because doing research on the election isn't all homework! It's also entertaining.
The most common reason I hear about why people are not voting is that they don't follow politics. I've been there. It is important to not only know where candidates stand on issues, but also know where you stand. Sometimes that is harder to figure out; start with one thing you care about and work your way in. If you don't know the major issues, starting with comedy is a nice way to ease into it... this should be a first step. There are numerous local and national newspapers (RefDesk Newspaper List), blogs *(Wordpress Blogs on the Election) and other types of ways to find out about the election (FactCheck, Wikipedia). It is important to read different types of media, and to know which are decidedly leaning one way or the other -- read both, and question all you read, even your favorites.
If you dig a little deeper, you see that a lot of people only know sound bites. It's easy to get caught up in, especially because there is so much to try to keep track of, and of course it feels better to agree with others than disagree. But don't be that person. Admit and look into what you don't know, and try to make informed decisions. Despite those who know a lot, no one knows it all, and don't let others bully you.
Your one vote does make a difference. It isn't just getting in their behind the curtain and pulling the levers. It's the research you do, the discussions you partake in. Others see you voting and it's like a chain reaction.
And don't stop after Nov 4th.
The most common reason I hear about why people are not voting is that they don't follow politics. I've been there. It is important to not only know where candidates stand on issues, but also know where you stand. Sometimes that is harder to figure out; start with one thing you care about and work your way in. If you don't know the major issues, starting with comedy is a nice way to ease into it... this should be a first step. There are numerous local and national newspapers (RefDesk Newspaper List), blogs *(Wordpress Blogs on the Election) and other types of ways to find out about the election (FactCheck, Wikipedia). It is important to read different types of media, and to know which are decidedly leaning one way or the other -- read both, and question all you read, even your favorites.
If you dig a little deeper, you see that a lot of people only know sound bites. It's easy to get caught up in, especially because there is so much to try to keep track of, and of course it feels better to agree with others than disagree. But don't be that person. Admit and look into what you don't know, and try to make informed decisions. Despite those who know a lot, no one knows it all, and don't let others bully you.
Your one vote does make a difference. It isn't just getting in their behind the curtain and pulling the levers. It's the research you do, the discussions you partake in. Others see you voting and it's like a chain reaction.
And don't stop after Nov 4th.
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