Answer one questions...or all of them...or just ponder anything your heart desires!
Have you ever voted? What was it like?
Is it important for individuals to vote?
Do you belong to a political party? If so, have you ever voted against your party?
How would you define politics in the U.S. at this stage of our history? In 100 years, what will historians say about the 2000s and 2010s?
I have voted every year since I turned 18. I personally love voting. It makes me feel like I have an important say in the political people and propositions that our city, state or country may face. The first time I voted I had to so a mail-in ballot because I was living on campus and could not go home to vote. Every year I have not been home to vote so, I have completed the mail in ballot. Hopefully next year I will be able to actually go to the polling station and place my ballot in the actual ballot box instead of the mailbox. I actually have a political party and have voted against it. The other candidate that was not part of my political party had been in office for years and has done an exceptional job and that is why my family and I always vote for him in every election. I believe that it is very, very important for individuals to vote. Those that choose not to vote have their own personal reasons of course, but I know that I take my voting very seriously. Both of my parents vote and take it seriously like I do. When some of the propositions are confusing or if there are people running for office that I do not know, I call my mom and we discuss them together.
ReplyDeleteHey Amanda,
DeleteI’m glad to hear you have such a positive outlook and take pride in your participation. That’s awesome! I defiantly agree that votes make a difference.
Well said Amanda. I think that a difference is key, even as simple as going and voting.
DeleteI personally like voting as well. If we couldn't vote, we would be a dictatorship. I agree that each individual's political voice is important which is why everyone should vote.
DeleteI am glad to hear this--for me, voting is also somewhat romantic, a feeling more than anything else. I wish we had a sense that the vote mattered more and that the democracy were more direct, but it is valuable no matter what it means or feels like.
DeleteI only voted once, and that was when I was 20. I don't know why I went to vote, but I didn't like it.
DeleteI hear a lot of people complain that they feel that their vote doesn't matter. Many people feel that the system is a fraud and regardless of their participation, the outcome will be unaffected. For example, I know of a lot of people who detested Obama and didn't vote for his presidency, yet here he is. Politics is never clean and pretty, but I disagree with this thinking. I think we live in a place where your voice can be heard. After all, this country was built on principles, such as “The Freedom of speech.” Singular votes matter.
ReplyDeleteHaving said that, did you know the word “idiot,” is borrowed from the Romans. Back then this word applied to men who took no interest in politics. Obviously this word has grown to cover all basis of cluelessness. However, I wouldn’t criticize people for not taking interest in politics. Our economy has become so specialized and politics is so multifaceted. I think a true idiot is one who will vote for the sake of voting. voting is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. If someone is going to exercise the right to vote, they should do their research and be informed before making decisions. Someone who votes just to feel patriotic may be doing harm. Bills and candidates can be very different from what they appear to be, like fine print in an ad. If I don’t have time to do serious research, I wont vote. My advice is be wholeheartedly invested or don’t bother.
I agree with you, I feel like if people are going to vote they should actually take the time to get information on it and not just vote so they can feel patriotic. I know plenty of people who just vote just to be able to say that they voted even though they don't know anything about what they voted on or who for.
DeleteLol, I agree with you wholeheartedly and sad to say I fall in the category about their vote doesn't matter in the end result. However, I have to say that I have voted and when I do so I make sure I'm informed in one way or another.
DeleteHi Rachel,
DeleteWell said. I also agree voters need to know who and what they are voting for. Most of my coworkers, that voted, based their choice on false propaganda, or just voted because of the party their politician belonged to. It seemed traditional for my coworkers to keep voting for politicians of their desired party. They had no clue what their past records were. It is sad that votes can generated by uninformed voters.
I like your knowledge about such things as the word "idiot" being borrowed from the Romans. And yes, I do agree that voting is important and that a single vote does matter.
DeleteI agree.. Each vote matters. It is tons of singular voices that makes up a majority. And our country is built on ideas like personal freedoms and liberties; and because we have these personal freedoms, liberties, and rights, we should vote and be heard as a duty to our country.
DeleteVoting is a great way to express yourself. I am so glad that we live in a country that allows citizens to have freedom of expression.
DeleteI hear it all the time from my friends that voting doesn't matter, but i always try and argue my case, whether or not is wants to be heard.
DeleteI remember when I first voted. I got my absentee ballot in the mail, and missed the deadline to send it out. So, I pretty much had to go to the nearest voting location and drop it off. To this day, I always forget to send my absentee ballot back in time, so I always end up going to the poll stands and drop my ballot off. I don't mind though, because I get the sticker and wear it for a few hours. I think everyone should vote. You don't even have to vote for people you may not know of, but there are always propositions that are worth voting for. I honestly leave boxes blank if I'm not informed about either candidate. This election I made sure to keep up with the ads on tv (which are annoying and just bash one another), and answer a few of the annoying calls just to figure out who I'd want to vote for. The key with voting is to make sure that you are informed. There are websites that have pros and cons to each proposition and you can determine what side you want to take. I encourage anyone that can vote, to make sure they stay informed and vote for things they feel strongly about and people they feel will best represent them.
ReplyDeleteI think those commercials are annoying too because all they do is bash each other which gets old quickly. I've never actually looked at the websites before but whenever I get the chance to vote I'll make sure to look at them.
DeleteI like that you still dropped the ballot off, even if it was absentee. Voting should be easier!
DeleteYeah, definitely take a look at the websites next time! Make sure it's not a biased website though, there's an official one that explains each proposition.
DeleteI know people say that voting is very important but I have never voted before. Its not that I don't want to I just never have the time to actually find out information on voting. I know how important it is to vote and that is why if I'm going to vote I have to make sure that I know information about the candidates and their proposals. Also I want to make sure that I am fully informed on all the laws and candidates before I vote on them. Usually I don't have time to learn and gather all this information so that is why I never vote. I rather not vote than to vote for someone who I don't even know about because that person may have qualities that I am against. So far I do not have a political party because I am not into all these politics. All sides have things that are both negative and positive about them but I rather not waste my time trying to choose between them. I think that politics today have a lot more people voting and getting into the politics especially the younger generation because now there are more platforms to gain information on the candidates and talk about voting such as the social medias websites. Back then it seems voting was something older people did and something the younger generations never talked about. However now it seems that through social media there has been a huge increase in the amount of the younger generations that have started voting and getting into politics.
ReplyDeleteYou should definitely try the mail-in ballot option, it is easy to just bubble it in on your own time and just mail it. They send you booklets and whatnot on the propositions, however,it does not really tell you anything about the candidates. You basically have to do your own research on the candidates, which is a shame because I think that is what puts people off from voting.
DeleteMail-in ballots are so AWESOME!!!! it takes away from the rush and waiting in lines. It is way less stressful than actually showing up the a place to vote. I did it and WOW! I will do it like this from now on.
DeleteHello Denise,
DeleteI usually vote, but because of my schedule did not this time. I did not have time to properly research candidates and proposals. I feel that I would be voting just to say I voted, and that would be wrong. People should fully understand who and what they are voting for before endorsing. Your vote can go against what you believe or value if you do not do proper research.
Most of the campaign ads are more of why you shouldn't vote for the other guy and not as much as what this guy wants to do. That is one reason why I don't vote.
DeleteI agree with you when you don't feel like you should vote because you aren't familiar with the politics that are being discussed. But you should try looking into it next time, it is pretty interesting to know what the future holds for this country.
DeleteYes I have voted and usually when I do vote I feel negative about it. The reason I feel this way is because how the system works it makes it feel like what you voted for isn't going to have a impact on the final result. Between the lobbyist and the people backing up the big businesses it feels like no matter what you say money has more impact than votes. However, I can't say that this is the way for everything, because it's not. These days it's not easy to stay inform and people who vote have to actually look into things more deeply or know the matter in a personal way because of all the media that goes on either on TV, radio, or newspaper. I haven't really voted for anyone in any office because I have not stayed informed about who is who and what they say they are going to do. The reason for this is because I don't watch TV and as for radio I only listen to music. When the station starts talking about things that I don't really care about I change it to some other channel that there's music. As for newspapers, I haven't actually gotten a newspaper in years because it's a waste of money if you have access to the internet. Internet is actually how I stay informed of what's going on in the world and even that I can only handle so much. Almost everything I read is about mayhem or some crisis that's happening to this person, country, or state. The reason I am saying this is because the voter who is voting for a person or for something they believe in has to make sure they know what their voting for otherwise they hurt their own cause.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you, it really is difficult to stay informed on our local candidates. Even though it feels like votes do not matter, if enough people think that way and not vote, it will matter.
DeleteWhen I was younger, I remember going with my parents and watched as they voted. I also remember that I only went with them in order to get the “I Voted” stickers. As a child, I though it was the coolest thing to vote for the President. Nowadays, it seems difficult to get many of our citizens to get interested in elections. It is really hard to really get to know a candidate or a proposition unless you follow them quite carefully. Even though the Rock the Vote campaign was such a brilliant way of involving mainly the younger crowd, I feel that many people think that their votes will not matter. However, it will matter if more people start to think in the same way. I have never voted at a booth, but I have voted with the mail-in service that is offered. I just never have time to physically go to a place and vote, but I do want to go just once at least. I believe it is a great privilege to have the opportunity to vote for what we would like to see accomplished for our state and country. I am happy to say that I do not belong to any political party. The way I see it, whatever candidate can prove their good-natured goals for the state or country can have my vote.
ReplyDeleteI did the same thing when I was little! My mom picked me up from the after school program and we went straight to the voting station. I was so excited to get the sticker. I agree that some people do not see voting as an important thing to participate in, but then again it is hard to know the "real" candidate.I have only used the mail-in ballot as well. I hope to be able to visit an actual polling station next year!
DeleteI am sorry that you feel negative about voting. I know it can be very hard at times, but be happy that you have the right to vote. Just think back in history and how it was a struggle for some people to vote. Be happy and proud you have a voice. Have a great night!
DeleteI believe it is very important to vote because we have the freedom to do so. It may not seem like a huge deal, but it makes a difference to actuall have an opinion to mold our future. The reason many people don't vote is the same old story,"My vote really isn't going to make a differance anyway, so why vote." Well that gives you a voice as to what should happen and cause a ripple within the community to actually push what you believe should happen. It gives you the position to be a leader and influence your neighbor to go out and express their opinion as to what should be happening in their community as well. I hear many people complain about how this state and country is being ran, but they don't vote... I say you don't have the right to complain if you didn't vote, but they do have the right to not vote. To make a difference within our world it starts with a simple ballot. To make this a better place we all need to be involved and hold each other accountable for a better place.
ReplyDeleteHealthy discussion leads to future events, that turn around and develope a culture we all want to live in. It's more than just a concept - Its and Idea. I can realate this concept to the movie Inception - where the leading character dives deep into a person's mind to implant an idea that would better the future of their time.
My views are a bit different than yours, so I’m having to think of how to reply without coming off as offensive or defensive, but I do agree that the complaints that most people have without attempting to cause any change is one of the most annoying things that can be done.
DeleteWell done - Samantha. It is very difficult to discuss politics without offending or defending perspective views on the matter. I personally do not like discussing politics in general. It is very similar to discussing religion - those two topics are very touchy. I am not one to be offended very easily; I am have very thick skin, yet very easy going.
DeleteI believe today’s politicians can be deceptive from both sides of the table. Whoever has the most financial backing can convince the politically uninformed majority. Also, some politicians have their own agenda that can cross over their own party lines. This is why people often get offended when their politician votes on the other side of matters. What this means is the voter did not truly know “who” they were voting for. Most politically uninformed voters only know if a politician belongs to the party that they are aligned with. Politicians are aware of the public’s lack of knowledge and pitch them with exaggerated political ads. Uninformed voters are the only reason these ads exist. Politicians tell people what they want to hear to gain their votes. Politician’s best tactic to succeed is to take advantage of the politically uninformed mass of people, and those who don’t end up losing races.
ReplyDeleteNot all politicians are bad choices. It is just some politicians are trying to gain votes from people that are politically uneducated which is not ethical. The problem is that there are so many politicians doing this, and no one can win without the uninformed voters. It is good to vote when you know what you are voting for. The problem is the uninformed majority is casting votes without knowing who and what they are truly voting for.
"Politician’s best tactic to succeed is to take advantage of the politically uninformed mass of people, and those who don’t end up losing races." Azael, here is my response to this sentence--ouch! But it is well written, so that is fantastic.
DeleteVoting is important and crucial. I believe that the voting is a duty and a responsibility as an American citizen. Voting implies that there will be change and hopefully it will be a good change. We all know that some candidates are dirty and untrustworthy; therefore, we need to do our research and find out what have the candidates have done in the past. We all have made mistakes in the past and so have candidates but we have to look at the positive actions they have done instead of the negatives. We all have seen the picture of Barack Obamas smoking marijuana or the scandal of Arnold Schwarzenegger having a child with the house maid and even the whole Bill Clinton with Monica Lewinsky. However, their personal life has nothing to do with their work. When it was time for election in 2008, I remember looking at the biography of John McCain and reading that he was severely injured when he was taken hostage in Vietnam. I remember reading about his life in Arizona and what he did for the state. I wanted for McCain to win but that didn’t happened. Maybe right now things would be better with McCain as President. Nevertheless, despite who gets elected, it is our job and duty to vote and become a voice for this wonderful country of the United States. Voting is important to see positive changes in our community, valley, state and of course, our country.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with the fact that there seem to be a lot of dirty candidates. Lately when I had the time to watch TV, all the political candidates commercials had to do with slandering the competition, I had no idea what their policies were.
DeleteI have been seeing negative commercials about the candidates as well. I get frustrated to the point that I leave the room or change the channel. The world already has enough negative to it with the news, so try adding some positive to the commercials on what they do to help instead of slandering each other.
Deleteregardless of that, we need to vote and let them know what we think and want.
DeleteI’ve voted twice before, at least I think I have. Honestly, I’ve never really paid attention to the political debates between candidates or known what their policies were. My family is republican so in turn I am also Republican. I know there are reasons for why we chose that party, but at the moment I couldn’t tell you what they were because I don’t even remember what makes all the parties different from each other. My life is too busy for me to focus on the choices that are made that affect the bigger whole. I don’t even have time to watch TV and I don’t receive the newspaper. Excuses, probably, but I prefer not to go into the reasons for my ineptitude. It is important for people to vote because it makes them feel needed and part of the process of how our fates may turn out. Maybe I’m jaded, but I do not believe that my vote matters because at one point I voted against a certain law and it was a unanimous vote among the people, only for it to be overruled by the court months later and enacted anyway. If the court can go ahead and put in a law when the people vote no, then what is the point? On the subject of how our future historians might feel about us now? I think they’ll assume that we were uncultured people who didn’t understand the value of technology, science, equality, and religion. Isn’t that how we look back at our predecessors to some degree?
ReplyDeleteThis is true about life being busy and difficult without following candidates. This is also why I still believe to let those who have the time, energy, and who actually care, to vote.
DeleteI dislike politics with a passion, so this topic will be difficult to answer. I don’t care to vote and I don’t care to watch a debate that seems to go around in circles. I have voted once and that was in high school. It was a mandatory thing that the teacher required. I thought it was stupid because I never heard what the candidates were going for or what they would do to improve things. I just saw names of people I had never heard before. So with this being said I believe it is a bad idea to make people vote. If people are forced to vote for people they have never heard of or don’t know what they would do for their nation, then there is no point. It’s not fair for the people who truly want a certain person to win. People who don’t care will just put down a name just to be done with the ballot. The sad thing is, this is what I would do if forced to vote.
ReplyDeleteI don’t belong to a political party and am not sure I care to. Again politics are not my strong point and it actually bores me. I feel like many people say what people want to hear just to get elected and once they are elected they don’t do what they promised the people. Another reason I don’t like voting is, because everyone slanders each other and there is negativity involved. I feel like they are being children and not adults, and this is an aspect that should be changed.
Was it really hard to write? It is a good entry, so it interests me that you thought it would be difficult. Taking no stance, being apolitical, is a viable and defensible stance!
DeleteI too am not a fan of candidates bashing one another. I feel it undermines our intelligence as a people; however, many individual do decided their candidates based on campaign advertisements. Thumbs up to those who make informed choices when voting.
DeleteI agree. To me politics seems to be more of a popularity contest rather than trying to work and get things done. On my way home I listen to 89.1 FM and every campaign ad was all about talking bad about the competition and how they are not right for the job.
DeleteI agree, It was not my favorite thing to write about. I think they come up with stories that we want to hear.
DeleteI attended high school at BHS. Senior year, I took AP Government with Dr. Jeremy Adams who also taught Poli-Sci at CSUB. He really stressed the importance of being a good American; this meant that he expected each of his students to vote when they were of age. He drilled the idea of voting into our brains so hard until it stuck. Dr. Adams was like a Super- American. November 2011 was the first time I was able to vote. My teachers at CSUB all offered extra credit for voting but the stipulation meant nothing like getting to vote for the fist time and make my favorite teacher proud. My best friend and I woke up early and found our polling station. We waited in a long line, chatting about who knows what. We were so excited and probably looked so lame because we were asked at least a dozen times if it was our first voting. We proudly answered yes to our fellow voters. We finally allowed inside the building and told what to do. Upon filling out our voting slips, we were given our "I VOTED!" stickers. We were so proud. I even wore my sticker to school and received my extra credit. It was a good day.
ReplyDeleteOh I exited too when I got my sticker! When I got the I voted for the first time.
DeleteI think you may have given him a doctorate--I think it is Mr. Adams. Frankly, though, from all of the great things students have told me about him through the years, maybe he deserves an honorary doctorate!
ReplyDeleteAs citizens of the United States of America it is imperative that we continue to exercise our right to vote. Our founding fathers carefully developed The Constitution to insure America would always remain a democracy. I am sure you have heard people complain about or blatantly refuse to discuss politics; we have a right to privacy and public opinion because of our structure, the same formation that gives us our right to vote. However, if you do not use your right to vote, you lose your right to complain. Voting gives us a voice, voting challenges the candidates to step up and perform for the majority. In recent years we have all witnessed the collapse of our government and the corporate bombardment of political parties. Politicians offer of us change and sometimes after an election that change ends up being empty promises. In our most recent election, Americans united and ventured out to the polls to make a statement and we did. The Republican Party took majority of the Senate, as well as, a few consistently Democratic majority states elected Republican governors. This occurred because we collectively as Americans went out and voted. Even with a Democratic President in the middle of his second term, American voters stepped up and took action to force and enable our government to recognize Americans are not happy with the state of the nation. Will things transform over night? Of course not, however, this election has altered the current functioning’s of our government because citizens went out and voted.
ReplyDeleteI love the point you set across, because I find it quite funny and ridiculous how people often complain and complain about different political issues but yet don't so anything in regards to it when they are given the chance.
DeleteExactly Beatrice. Some of the biggest complainers I have come across are those who refuse to vote because they say their vote does not matter. I think we would all be in trouble if everyone had that kind of mentality.
DeleteI was quite excited when I turned 18 and was legally allowed to vote, more so because it was the year of elections and I thought about how I would contribute to the decision on who would be the next leader of the free world. I would try and catch as many debates on TV as I could brushing up on politics hoping I would make a correct decision based on the candidates ideals and vision that would meet my expectations for the future. It wasn’t any easy decision to make since the candidates are professionally trained to act and speak to the public in a manner that would catch our ear and our attention. They both sounded like they knew what they were talking about and they both made exceptional points on great matters of interest. But when the day came to cast my vote, it wasn’t really what I expected. I was unsure if my vote really mattered. I thought about how I was just one of millions and if I had not voted, would it have really made a difference? But after everything was over, and the years that passed after that first experience, I feel like I do contribute, whether or not it is naïve to think so. Voting is a privilege that everyone as an American should enjoy. Our right to vote gives us a voice in this country. It allows us to choose our leaders and policies that decide the countries future, our future, and our children’s future.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, and I was also excited when I first turned 18 and got to vote for the first time in my life and also see how each one of us can make a difference, it just requires for people to contribute and not just complain about things.
DeleteThe first time I voted was when I was 20. I believe that was when Obama and the other guy were running for president. Politics is very confusing and none of the candidates are able to convince me to vote for either of them, so I just don't vote anymore.
DeleteI agree, politics is confusing.
DeleteI think that it is more exciting when we are allowed to be part of our leader to take part of that vote.
DeleteAs several others have mentioned, I too have never been fond of politics, and election periods are always times that I don’t look forward too. I have plenty of friends and acquaintances with strong political backgrounds and beliefs, and I don’t fault them for it, but hearing all of the bickering and arguing between parties only seems to add to the madness that our country has fallen into over the past decade or so. Local campaign commercials are extremely uncomfortable to sit through, back to back ads with one building up a potential candidate and the next tearing him or her down with phrases such as “Mr. (insert name) will contribute to the fall of the middle class…he doesn’t support this or that…what am I watching?? I’d rather sit through MOR furniture commercials than watch those.
ReplyDeleteWhen defining politics in our country, one thing that stands out as something that will be pointed and laughed at in the future in my opinion, is the fact that our government essentially will throw a fit when they can’t come to an agreement, and they shut the whole thing down. And it’s not like this has just happened once or twice, but 12 times since 1981! This may be completely far-fetched, but in times such as those, I believe that an additional election for key positions should be issued. If there is a problem that can’t be solved by those in charge, to the point that the entire system must shut down, I say wipe the slate clean, start fresh. I apologize for the rant as I am not as knowledgeable in politics as most, but that’s what spools up in my mind every time we have a governmental crisis.
I believe that we are privileged to live in a country that believes in democracy. I have continuously voted since I turning 18 years old. Voting for the first time was a great experience because I felt a sense of empowerment. For example, voting is one of the greatest examples of our freedom of speech. By voting, not only are we exercising our right to vote, but we are also giving back to our communities. I feel that it is our duty and responsibility to give back. There are many issues being debated in our country and around the world such as; war, abortion, taxes, education, immigration, healthcare and many others. I believe that the only way to make our voices heard in regards to these issues is by voting. Furthermore, we also set the example to our children by our actions, and not voting in our country’s elections shows that we don’t care about what happens in our society. Most people say our vote doesn’t count, but I believe every vote counts, your vote could be the one to make a difference on whether an issue gets resolved or not. Furthermore, I feel that if people don’t vote then they shouldn’t complain about the laws or other proposition or any other ballot measure that passes because they didn’t care enough to exercise their right to vote against it or for it.
ReplyDeleteMost of the people in our country is democracy, but very few are republic. that is why most of country can decide what side they want to take more.
DeleteSince I first attended CSUB, I decided to play forth my right to vote and registered one day; when I was asked by one of the registering individuals on campus. I have voted since then, especially last year because my education was being jeopardized and I wouldn’t have lived with myself knowing I could have done something about it but choose not to take action. The first time I voted felt amazing, because it felt like I finally had a voice, and got to decide and vote for who I thought would best benefit our/my country. The fact that many of our ancestors fought, struggled, and sacrificed a lot for the simple fact to allow women to vote and have a voice in American makes voting for me, extremely important. Voting is also important because it’s a form for us U.S. citizens to state our opinion of who we believe should be our next president. Also, another reason why voting is important is because through voting we also help pass or not allow pass upcoming laws.
ReplyDeleteI think it is great that people are able to vote and show what they truely believe in. But I do think that people should do research and educate themselves on the aspects that they are going to be voting on.
DeleteI am so glad that we live in a country that allows us to express ourselves. It is very important that we take advantage of our opportunities to vote, because voting is a privilege. Less than 200 years ago, the right to vote wasn't distributed equally although it should have. For years, excluded groups of people have worked their hardest to gain citizenship, as well as voting rights in America. They would be proud if they could see the numbers at the voting tolls today, but they would also be disgusted by those who refuse to vote. There are people aside of felons who refuse to vote because they don't believe that their vote makes a difference. Every vote counts and one vote has the power to decide who our next president, or possibly what laws are passed. The United States doesn’t give citizens much for free, but as Americans we lack to recognize the privileges that we do have compared to many other countries. It is a beautiful thing to be able to have a voice in what goes on in this country. Our voices are being heard even if we vote on something to pass and the proposition fails to pass. Everyone who does vote must continue to do so because we are America. We are involved election regardless if we participated in voting or not. There will always be an outcome, and as little as one half a vote can and will make the difference. if you aren’t already voting, please reconsider!
ReplyDeleteI am one of those who believes that my vote doesn't really matter. I see it as it's just one vote out of the possible millions of votes that have been made. And really what is the probability that the candidate you are voting for won given that you voted for them?
DeleteI agree, we are allowed to express ourselves. We should always vote because it is important.
DeleteI am 25 and I have voted only once and it was during the presidential elections between Obama and the other guy who I can’t remember his name. After I voted it was just as I expected, it was nothing special. I have been told by other people who voted for their first time that it made them feel great, like they were a part of something very important and that their vote will affect the outcome of this nation. While I do agree that voting has an impact on the nation, I just don’t feel that way. The reason is that to me, one single vote doesn’t matter in the outcome of an election. Just one vote out of the possible millions of votes casted seems insignificant. I also find politics to be boring and confusing. I took the government class in high school and the political science class here at CSUB, but all the terms and rules still make no sense to me.
ReplyDeleteI don’t belong to any political party. The reason for that is because I don’t understand what each party stands for and what they care about. Another reason is that they spend a lot of time arguing with each other and not getting anything done. During elections most of their campaign ads on television and on the radio spend most of the time just bashing their opponents and telling their life story. In the end of the ad, I would have no idea what the politician stands for and what he wants to do. If you don’t like how the country is doing then when it is time to vote, then go ahead and vote. I believe that if you don’t vote you shouldn’t complain about policies or how the president is running the country since you didn’t vote.
I am with you on not completely understanding the political parties, and that is why I do not belong to a political party either. I also agree that if you do not vote, you cannot complain.
DeleteI think that is the most important part of the elections when we had a new president that is when it counts the most. They can be boring
DeleteVoting is a right for all citizens. I am proud of this country because it allows us to express our feeling and our needs. Every time I vote I feel like if I had made a difference. I am not into politics because I never understand what their promises are, or simply I don’t get the way they govern. I do know that by voting I am letting them know that I agree or not. I do take voting seriously because I want things to get better in this country and we as citizens should be able to participate in every elections. Regardless if you like voting or not, that is your right that is given to you, and you should use it when its time. I voted on November 4th like any other citizen but this time was different because there were a lot of young people that were going to vote for the first time. I noticed that they had enthusiasm to vote. When I first voted, I was just like them happy to show that I was now able to participate in every election. I know I made the right decision. Every citizen should vote because we are that ones who create every law that passes and if we don’t vote is like if we were invisibles to society. Let’s govern our nation that right way, but in order for that to occur we need to vote. Furthermore, I am a proud citizen that votes for a better and rewarding future.
ReplyDeleteI agree and think it great that we have the wonderful priveledge of being able to vote in this country. I also think that many people should be proud and take advantage of this opportunity.
DeleteI like to vote because I like to know that I took part of picking who I thought should win. It is important because you should be part of community and the choices they are making. Some of the politics try to get you on their side but they don’t want you to know their secrets. Women fought for us to get our vote. It would wrong for us not vote because they made us equal with the men. They went through many obstacles over the time to get us to vote. Women wanted to have a voice as well. The voting process was different. Some of the people went to go vote or some got in the mail. For me I mailed my vote in. It was much easier for me because I didn’t have to wait in line. However, it was brought to my attention that I don’t get the I voted sticker and have to pay for a stamp. I rather though pay for a stamp than waiting line though. Voting is what this country is founded on because we have a democratic system. Therefore, it is important that every American takes the chance to vote because it is our right as citizens to vote. I cannot help but think of other countries that are run by a system other than a democratic system that does not allow their people to have a voice. For example, some countries are ran by a dictator and the people have no voice. The United States is a fortunate place to live because if we don’t like someone because we feel they are failing to do their job, we can simple votes them out. So people need to vote, so their voice can be heard.
ReplyDeleteI feel like it is very important people to vote. That it is a way to be a part of important decisions that are made in our country. That even if the majority of the vote may be different from your own it still matters that you voted for what you thought it was important. Though I think that it is important that people vote for what they believe in I think that they should only do so if they are knowledgeable. People should not just vote to vote. People should be voting on something they feel strongly towards. If people just vote for what they think sounds good they might be voting for something that really is not a good thing. People may vote for something based on what they hear on commercials but what people do not realize is that what they say may not be the whole truth. This is why people should go and do some research before they vote. People should research propositions to make sure it is something that will benefit them and their family as well as their community. Instead of blindly voting for something because someone who is considered famous showing their support or just because it sounds like someone has a good argument.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree. My Spanish teacher in high school told me that I need to do research before going to vote, and she also said that if when you are voting and you come to a policy that you do not understand completely, then you should vote no, no matter what.
DeleteI think it is very important for individuals to vote. I think that too many people neglect their right to have what they think and desire amount to anything by voting and fighting to make a difference. I think a lot of people do not vote, because a single vote does not amount to that much in the grand scheme of things. But what is the alternative? To not even try. As Americans, we are always so proud to tell everyone that we have all of these rights and freedoms to make a difference, and make our lives in the ideal picture we imagine for ourselves; but we do not always take advantage of it nearly enough. I wish that our individual vote counted more than it does, but if you think about it, an individual vote counts more than no vote at all.
ReplyDeleteI also think that it is very important for people to vote. And I totally agree with you when you stated that people tend to neglect their rights. We have a voice and we should use it when we can!
Deleteit is bad when a person doesn't vote because some people don't have the right to vote and we do. people should try not to neglect the right some many other people don't have.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI have voted and I remember when I first voted. It was a terrible experience I have ever had with voting. Well it was right after I graduated from high school and I decided to go voting with my family. Well little did I know it was going to be a very interesting experience? So in high school, we got to sign up for voting and put what party you wanted to be in. Well I didn’t know what to put so I put the one that could go either way. When I went voting with my family, first the people can a very difficult time trying to find my name. My name is not hard to get. Come on people! Then the people asked me if I got a ballot sent to my house and I said yes. They told me that I was supposed to bring that and I told them I did not have it. They were all freaking out. What is the big deal people? I just want to vote. Then they did not know what party I was because of what I put in high school. At the point I was done. I started crying and my mother had to come and help me! I was so overwhelmed and embarrassed. It was only my first time. So they finally figured out everything and I voted. At the end a got the sticker. I was not the great awesome feeling I heard other people got when the received their voting sticker. I told my mother I will never vote again, but over time I was better and I am a happy voter. Everyone should vote if they have the opportunity. We all have a voice, everyone of else. Let’s be heard over the world!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you its pretty scary when you vote for your first time. well I know I had that feeling too.
DeleteI did vote ones since we have had Obama as president. I remember feeling pretty confused about all the acts they could pass. There was so many of them. But lucky thing that I could take the book that tells you all about the acts. I didn’t end up voting for Obama because I didn’t think he would be a good president. Which kind of ended up being true. To be honest I didn’t enjoy voting to much things for me to look into but I know its needed. The thing I did find funny was when I went to vote I was one of the youngest individual to be voting. All the older individuals were just looking at me which made me feel like leaving. But lucky thing that one of my friend’s was with me so we just sat and waited till it was my turn because it was so long of a wait because of the long lines.
ReplyDeleteI think it’s very important to vote because a lot of the things that have to do with politics have to do with us. You have a right to pick what law is best for you. It’s like some many other places that don’t have a right to vote at all. They get stuck with a person who has the say in the law without telling the people what they think will be best for them. Since we have the right why not make a different in the law if we can.