Subeta -

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Voting should never be mandatory. The last thing we need are people who don't bother to make a decision for themselves and, because they are forced to vote, just vote for the name they like the best or whoever their parents/family/friends are voting for. I'm registering as an out-of-country citizen today.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

I fully and wholeheartedly agree - everyone should register to vote, and even better, take time to research each candidate running so that they know exactly what they stand for and what's going to happen if they get elected. That's the beauty of democracy - cherish it, since there's no country in the world quite like the U.S. in terms of power and election process! Everyone - no matter what party or candidate you support - should have the opportunity. People who don't vote are slapping the Founding Fathers in the face and turning a cherished liberty into a commodity. So, go vote!

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

I also live in Australia where it is compulsory to vote. We voted last year and we have a shiny new government.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

I live in Australia, where voting is compulsory. I think it's a great idea, cause then pretty much everyone has a say in who is gonna run the country ^^

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Scy64: im sure you do, but now- A bit late isnt it? Like this election-
ANyhoo- goodluck with your choice-

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Mistygou;
Well what if you don't know who to vote for because you think that neither of the candidates you are to choose are worthy of a vote or you just don't trust?
What are you supposed to do then? Sure, sure, you can protest... for some reason, but in the long run, your still not going to vote now are you?

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

This is such an amazing election, and such a revolutionary time in American history..yes I dared to say it...revolutionary!!! We are changing how we do things, how we think, trying to become more responsible, take more ownership for our communities, and the younger people are more forward thinking then ever before. I say this is your site and more power to you for posting things you feel are positive, and will create positive ripples beyond.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

The only political statement I can see being made by refusing to be a part of the political process is a desire for anarchy which kind of disturbs me

Actually to be honest I'm interested in hearing why people think being silent during a voting period is a political statement? Smail me if you want to share :3 (I'm serious, I want to know!)

Also, to the "The elections are rigged" comment, omg, I read about those a looong time ago and its freaking scary! I'm so glad Oregon votes by mail, there's paper proof :| shudder I will never vote by machine!

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

ClarySage - Taking no part in a political process is the exact OPPOSITE of a political statement.

just a note: I'm not yelling when I capitalize, I just have no way to bold words. Just so you know I'm not yelling at you

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

you're vote doesn't count. The elections are rigged, especially with the touch screen voting machines. check out blackboxvoting.org.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

You don't have to register in Holland, everyone over 18 gets a letter at home and you have to bring that when you go to vote. you don't have to vote, but you can always decide to vote last minute.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Sometimes I wish we could force people to vote-- but that defeats the purpose ! I strongly approve of this.. I don't care who you vote for, or how you feel about the subjects, but you should educate yourself on the campaign, register to vote (if you haven't already) and cast in! I happen to live in Oregon where we vote by mail, but I know other states have machines and such. The more people who don't vote, the more skewed the process becomes, a lack of proper representation is bad! Get with a friend and research the candidates and stuff! Go! Go Go Go!

Also, to everyone who is already registered and plans to make their voice heard... Cheers!!!!

And as a random fact, I have a giant "WE DECIDE" poster above my bed (actually, my walls are covered literally in posters and pictures and things, so its not that strange..) VOTE! AHORA!

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

I know in the UK you have to register so you can vote every year. Believe me, it is surprisingly hard to get some people just to sign the form, even when I'm standing outside their door ;
I think they don't realise (even though I tell them every year) that you have to register so you can vote, but you don't have to vote if they don't want to.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

:S

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Hey there.
(I'm the sister of Aether, that's why I have the same IP)
I agree with this post, because Keith isn't forcing us to vote for one of the runers.
I have read what Tessalia has posted -yesterday we were talking about that- and I think that this announcement isn't that worst.
Because it's the first time that I see this kind of announcement.
If it were more times, I would start to complain and something like this but, erh...you know.
And this happens every 4 years...I understand the point of view of Keith.
Well, I think that everyone have a different point of view.This is mine.

ZyX

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Even though I'm not a US Citizen, and not old enough if I was, I think it's really good of you to bring this up. Thank you.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

I was saying: despite I'm not an US citizien I approve so much this message from Keith. It means a lot in our life to express our politic willing and it is a sign of civilism. Do it!! Great Keith!!!

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Despite

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Personally, I don't understand non-voters. Are you guys against democracy or what? Do you want a Communist society where the people have no control over the government's actions and they're all decided amongst themselves? Not to sound ultra-patriotic, I'm really not. But, I mean, really, you can't really complain about a president or any of the issues of this country when you haven't even like... bothered to make an attempt to change things. You might as WELL vote, you know? Even if it comes down to the "lesser of two evils", you can still make it so that the less evil person wins!
So yeah, really, there's no reason to not vote. I'm not going to say "people died for that right", but all I'm saying is people WILL die if we all decide to not care about important issues in our country... say, our failing economy? Social Security, which is getting to the point where the only age where you can collect social security is past the age of the average lifespan? Gas prices? ALL of these things effect you, ESPECIALLY if you're 18 or older! Take a stance, do the research, and help improve your quality of living!
Me though, I'm just 4 months short of being able to vote! How stupid is that? Oh well, someone better vote for Obama in my place.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

I'm already registered.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

What if they are making a political statement?
Not everyone is lazy you know.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Thank you all of the apathetic people who prove the very point why there are campaigns like Rock the Vote in the first place.

Subeta may be an escape from the world, but for MOST of your life (cough) you do live in the real world. If you don't care about the future, then realize you are silencing your own voice......except for when you complain to people for reminding you maybe you should care.

Those of you who think you are voting for the lesser of evils, I can understand the basis of your feelings. But think back to 8 years ago (though many of you were probably in grade school at the time) and the very same conversation took place between Bush and Gore. I believe that this nation would be in a VERY different place if Gore had one. Yet, EVERY.SINGLE.ELECTION. has that very same discussion. Yes, yes it does.

I have been around for 4 presidential terms as a voter (though that is only between 2 people, good god!!). It's always going to be between two people who lie. They are politicians! That's what they do!

But they serve different masters. Some care more about their friends than they do their constituents. Some care more about image for their parties.

YOU have to live in the world they create. Have SOME kind of influence on who is going to shape it. That counts for any nation that holds democratic elections.

And if you truly are so apathetic you don't care, so nihilistic you don't want to participate or so cynical that you think your time is better spent at home that day, for the love of Our Pete, don't try to spread your form of laziness as some kind of political statement. You are just embarrassing yourself. Have the fortitude to just call a spade a spade and don't complain about the world that gets made while you slumber.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Don't forget to check your local laws on registration deadlines. I think you have to be signed up 20 days before the election. I'm suffering from news overload on the election myself. I hope everyone who decides to vote will be responsible and inform themselves. Research your candidates, go to their websites, read political blogs, pick at least 5 issues you think are most important to you and google up their opinions on them, check their voting records in the Senate to see how they really stand on things you're interested in. Now's the time to start looking into stuff like that.. November will be here quicker than you think!

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

DarKnight: Lots of people in the US care about the issues. Not all of us agree with what's going on now, and that's spurring many people to learn about the issues and make an educated choice about the upcoming elections.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

wow- is that how easy it is to Vote in the US-
Its much Strikter in AUS- but we care about politics

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

thank you for the reminder.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

man, the dogin' and moanin' about a simply reminder. Let's admit it, people often get so wrapped up in their own lives, we need a reminder that we have the OPTION to vote if we so choose to do so. Whether someone finds it important is subjective. But what one person said about silence the same can be said for the opposite.

Register if you want and believe in it. If you don't then that's your choice but I believe the encouragement to vote in general comes from the intention of being proactive. And for that I don't see how it can be such a heated topic. No one here is campaigning one side or the other.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Amen to that! Its bout time we make a change. Only way of making it happen is to VOTE! America needs some hope!

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

lol, this is like your guy's crappy cult motto. xD
Don't complain if you don't vote.
Good luck on the next election. x3

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

SO important, and I'm glad you gave it a mention!

I will vote.... but I'm not sure how at this point as I've been severely disappointed. Ugh. Don't complain if you don't vote, though

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

I've been registered to vote for years...but I am not going to vote in this one. How can I chose who is going to do a better Job when they all lie through their teeth? There is no lesser of any of the evils.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

sigh I'm a year short.. I'm turning 17, not 18 this year. >_>

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Thanks for the reminder and the link! Regardless of one's political inclinations, its a good idea to vote and make the voice of your demographic heard. And it is all too easy to forget to register, or just not get around to it, after turning 18.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

it's beyond me how people can say, "don't vote - don't complain"... silence is just as loud of an opinion. last i checked, voting is a choice, not an obligation. it's ridiculous that people are insulted for making a choice... much less that those insults are being hurled by the ignorant. people boycott all the time... even the most recent olympics. to say, "don't vote - don't complain" is like making an olympic boycott irrelevant merely because no one bothered to go to china to gripe. eye roll

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

I hope the world ends before a president is chosen.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

I believe that if people don't get out and vote, they are wasting a highly fought-for privilege. Many people in other countries are not able to vote, or only certain people can vote. It is not like that here. I think that everyone should take full advantage of the fact that once you turn 18, you can vote. BTW, I am all for abolishing the Electoral College. That is why candidates can win the popular vote, and not win the presidency. Politics can be very interesting. I believe that it is our duty as Americans (no offense, anyone from out of country) to vote for our leaders. It is one of the things that we have and do not take advantage of because people believe that not just one person can make a difference. We can all work together and make a difference. And all it takes is one person with initiative.
(Forgive the run-on sentence(s). It is late. Math homework killed my brain.)

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

I'm a year short. I really wanted to vote for Obama. GO OBAMA! OBAMA AND YOUR MAMA!

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

"Thanks Keith! I wish that Canada tried as hard as the US to get people registered to vote."

I don't know where in Canada you live, but in my high school they had so many bloody flyers up everywhere about voting that you would have thought the polls were being set up in our gym! They had announcements put on every morning reminding everyone to register and vote. We had representatives from the political parties visit our school, and we had many students ask some serious questions (there was some media coverage and everything, quite an interesting experience). Canada works just as hard as the U.S., and I'd like to know where you are in Canada that you're left under a rock?

I was surprised to see this in the news, especially given how politics generally aren't approached so bluntly.
It's nice that so many of you are politically involved, but it isn't for everyone and they have the right NOT to vote just as much as they have the right TO vote. It's a personal decision, and someone shouldn't feel bad for deciding not to vote.

I live in Ontario, right in the GTA and not once did I see a flyer put up anywhere asking for us to vote. I thought it was odd. I do pay attention to the news when it comes to elections, I will be voting when I come of age. But the issue is that where I live the idea of voting isn't pushed, nothing like what you've experienced. To me it didn't seem like the government made it seem all too important. In university and college I can see that they would try to get at the people there. High school, not so much because only senior students are able to vote.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Since I live in North Dakota, I don't have to register to vote. Only state in the Union that doesn't make you register. I just have to show up, give my ID, and I can vote.

Still, it's great to support Rock the Vote, especially since they are trying to get the youth to vote, and we are the future.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Jury duty selection differs from state to state ...

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Okay, so im not old enough to vote but soon will be. But, i think people are pretty darn tired of hearing about all this. Most of us come here to leave the real world and now you're bringing it in here too. Come on! Give me a break.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

"Thanks Keith! I wish that Canada tried as hard as the US to get people registered to vote."

I don't know where in Canada you live, but in my high school they had so many bloody flyers up everywhere about voting that you would have thought the polls were being set up in our gym! They had announcements put on every morning reminding everyone to register and vote. We had representatives from the political parties visit our school, and we had many students ask some serious questions (there was some media coverage and everything, quite an interesting experience). Canada works just as hard as the U.S., and I'd like to know where you are in Canada that you're left under a rock?

I was surprised to see this in the news, especially given how politics generally aren't approached so bluntly.
It's nice that so many of you are politically involved, but it isn't for everyone and they have the right NOT to vote just as much as they have the right TO vote. It's a personal decision, and someone shouldn't feel bad for deciding not to vote.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

I think that is a good idea ^^ well i'm not from US, but i like the idea. It is better to vote, than to do nothing.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Just because your vote doesn't make the difference between one candidate being elected and another, doesn't mean it's irrelevant.

And lol RazberrieTart. If voting were mandatory then you'd have inaccurate results. People would just randomly select names, which defeats the purpose of having an election.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

I really have mixed feelings about posting this on a website like this. Yeah, it's one thing to make a thread in the appropriate forums to promote this - but to put it in the news? Especially when we have LOTS of out of the country users. I mean... Yeah - I'm all for using your rights and junk like that, but for some reason it REALLY irks me when people try to push things on a huge group of people. It's like the people who solicitate their religions... I see this news post as EXACTLY the same - even if it is less pushy. It's propaganda. If people live in the states AND they're +18 - I'm sure they've heard this "GO VOTE" thing more than once or twice. WHY? OH WHY? bring it up on a site like this? I don't know... It seems really unneeded. But, that's just me..

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

I'm not trying to be obnoxious, or argumentative, so please, don't take me that way.

I am, however, going to mention that I would much rather not take responsibility for voting someone into office, that we all may later regret.

Not saying there's anything wrong with voting, so please, enjoy yourselves.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Thank you for posting this. Some people don't realize the privilege it is to have the ability to vote. It's your right, you should exercise it.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

RazberrieTart the last part of your post is very confusing. Dx
I don't know what to say about this news update. I have mixed feels as in, it's a good idea to remind people to vote, yet at the same time maybe commenting about this shouldn't be allowed since everyone has opinions and some may get offended.
Also, even people who vote complain about the elected personie. So it's not really fair to pressure people and assume everyone who doesn't vote complains. I have know people to complain about who they voted for as well.
What I do hope is that who wants to vote, votes for who they want and aren't going to be lazy about getting up and going to the polls. x3

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

I love you, Keith, for being a conscious elector. Just a shame the Mayor and Prefect elections here in Rio de Janeiro are obligatory... I haven't seen any good candidates around. =( At least I can null my vote.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Voting should not be required or mandatory. I am not voting this year. But the awareness to vote should be out there.

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