This year, I think we have all been bombarded with political propaganda.
However, as a younger voter I have never been more interested in politics and how important my vote can be. Despite the relentless e-mails and phone calls I received on behalf of the Obama campaign – which almost turned me away from voting because they were so aggravating – I was determined to make my mark in our nation’s history. Although I was a Kerry supporter in the last election, I didn’t actually make it to the polls to place my vote. I doubt my vote was the deciding factor four years ago, but how many other people just "didn’t make it to the polls?" What would the result have been four years ago if we had? Would our nation still be in the same situation it’s in today if Kerry had been elected instead of Bush?Speculation aside, every vote counts and those of us who think differently are either fooling ourselves or we just don’t care. It’s entirely possible that history will be made this election year and America will elect the first African-American president – to think that kind of social and political change might not happen because people don’t take the time to vote is incredibly sad.
This morning on the radio I heard a talk-show host ask if any companies were allowing their employees to take the day off work and vote. One of her co-hosts scoffed at the idea, saying no employers would be willing to lose their staff for the day and the show moved on to the next topic. If I had had more time to spare I would have called in to the show and tell them my boss, our top-frog Jordan, had given us all permission to take 2 hours, any time and on any day, to go and vote. I think it’s incredibly important that an organization encourage an atmosphere of community and civic involvement.
Obviously, I am an Obama supporter but no matter who you decide to vote for I hope everyone makes it out to the polls. I’d also like to say I am extremely proud of my generation’s increased involvement in the election this year!