VOTE! But do it for the RIGHT reasons.

Election Day is on Tuesday, November 6th, and one of the most important presidential elections in recent history.  Our nation’s first Black president, Barack Obama, is vying with Republican and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney to become only the second Democrat since the FDR administration  (Bill Clinton was the other) to serve a two term administration.  Many have been excited about it for months, watching and talking about the conventions, the debates, ads, and the overall hot button issues. 

 
However, voting for other offices is also important, especially in the non-presidential election years.   These years are where the Senate, House of Representative seats are being filled, as well as state and local office elections. These are the offices affect us more on a daily basis and the issues that we deal with and live under.

My hope is that many folks, especially the ones that have been voting since early voting opened a couple of weeks ago, are voting for the right reasons. Voting is not a fad or the cool thing to do. It's the right thing to do. Just like the old saying goes "If you don't vote, don't complain." I do understand that many black, Hispanic, and gay voters feel more of an obligation and confidence in the voting system now that President Obama is in office. However, I'm still not so keen on the idea on voting just because someone is running, or now that someone is running.

My beloved late grandmother, Myrtle Lanier, stressed voting and exercising constitutional rights to me at an early age. I still remember going with her to the polls when she voted in the 1988 presidential election. She was very active in watching the debates, the issues, and which candidates would do the most for her life and needs. She told and taught me not to vote based on popularity, looks, race, or often not even party affiliation. She stressed to stay on the issues and the type of character they are.

Let's not forget about voting for law changes, tax rates, etc. That's where stuff really matters, especially for issues such as gay marriage,  foreign policy, the economy, and even firearm laws.   You must make your voice known if you want improvements made in your voting district, and in our country.

Therefore, it doesn't matter if you voted on October 22 or November 2, just get out and vote. And continue to cast your ballot, even if your candidate doesn’t get into office.

Otherwise, keep quiet regarding certain issues. Silence can be golden.