Vote.

Why?

Uhh... because "Stand up and be heard!" "Fight for your rights!" "You can make a difference!"

Honestly.  Does anyone respond to slogans like this?  Do they motivate anyone?  The fact is, voting isn't a black and white "this-is-why-you-MUST-DO-IT" process.  It's not simple, and phrases like those above oversimplify it.  They don't work because they don't do justice to the concept.

Some people choose to vote.  Some people choose not to vote.  But the majority of those who don't vote at all are not choosing. They are being complacent, being apathetic, being uninvolved and uninterested. They are not making an active choice.

Laziness, cynicism and apathy are big factors in low voter turnout.  I should know.  I'm somewhat lazy, cynical, and apathetic.  But I realize that they are terrible excuses.

Many of the reasons for voting have been too fallacious, mindless, and divisive to be effective.  Truthfully, there are many good reasons to vote, but they're not simple, and not glamorous.

Voting is an abstract, important idea that cannot be "sold" very effectively or efficiently.  Remember that voting is not so much a responsibility as it is a privilege.  Your vote can carry enormous weight, in local, state, or (Florida, anyone?) national elections.

Right now, just weeks before the General Election on Nov 2, I'm asking you to choose.

So for goodness sake, VOTE!

Sean Holland

Member UAF Democrats

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