"A few weeks ago, I had the distinct displeasure of speaking with an old
friend who told me that she intends to vote for Sen. John McCain in
November.
Her
reasoning? Something along the lines of "Come on, seriously. A woman?
Or a guy named Barack? Hell no." Just a few days later, I heard the
same sentiment echoed by another friend.
This intensely
scientific and statistically significant study of two people
demonstrates conclusively that democracy does not work. OK, maybe it
doesn't. But many of us continue to vote for reasons that aren't much
better than the ones my friends gave.
The real culprit here is
the notion it is patriotic to vote. For many in this country, the right
to vote is not simply that - it is a moral imperative. Following this
logic, raising voter turnout is the best way to ensure that our country
is as democratic as can be; moreover, if you don't vote, you waive your
right to complain about the way the country turns out for the next few
years. On the far end of the spectrum, if you believe P. Diddy, your
only two options are to vote or to die.
Why You Should Stay Home on Election Day
Would better voter turnout really be that great for our democracy? Arizonan Taylor Kessinger doesn't think so. From The Wildcat.