[DocJohn]

Let's take a mini-poll of our own community to see how people will likely vote in the upcoming presidential election. Your vote cast below is anonymous. Perhaps this poll will give us a glimpse into the election outcome? Who knows!! It's all for fun...

DocJohn

[DocJohn]

If you choose the "I'm not going to vote" option, I'd love to hear your reasons (if you care to share) for not voting in this election.

I know many people think this is "just another election," but for some reason, I don't think it is. So no matter which way you're leaning, I'd strongly encourage you to vote on Tuesday, November 2, 2004.

[inkblot]

I'm not going to vote. I can't due to my homeless status and being mixed between two counties.

[hamstergirl]

In Ontario, you could vote by giving a homeless shelter as your address.

It's ridiculous that you can't vote. You're among the most vulnerable members of society. That gives you as much right as anyone else to vote.

[hamstergirl]

As a Canadian, I can't vote in this election. But as an activist, I strongly recommend as many of you get out there and vote as you can. There are important issues going down, (besides the war) and this election looks to be too close to call.

This really is an instance where your vote really does count.

[(JD)]

Like they want me, a mental case ,voting???? But I'm trying to figure them out... they still all look like politicians to me. sigh.

Yes I plan on voting!! 3 or 4 times! More if I can sneak past the right-wing lady who sells cupcakes for the fire station. She watches me like a hawk....

:-)

[eskielover]

I'm definitely going to vote. I found out how it felt to not be able to vote one time when I was hospitalized. They just wouldn't let me out to vote...wasn't a good enough reason to let me escape for. I didn't like it when I didn't have the freedom to vote & have made sure I have voted everytime after that.

[kimmydawn]

I'm certainly going to vote. I agree that this is not "just another election". There are more pressing issues, and the future of our country depends more on this election day than I think it has in a long time.

[Wants2Fly]

I am not able to vote, bec. I didn't send away for my absentee ballot before the deadline. I wish so much that I could.

[(JD)]

gee then wants, DocJohn's question really is... HOW are you going to vote...????? I never received my request for absentee until after the deadline... turns out the country is fed ex'ng the ballots today SAT to 60,000 ppl who didn't receive their ballots! They have to be back by MON. go figure.

(sorry for the diversion from the real question...)

[(JD)]

Change my poll vote: I'm not voting.

Not in the presidential. Right now I am glad my vote didn't get counted last time, for when ppl try to say I'm one way or the other, I can honestly say I didn't vote!

I am so sick of the trash talking and ignorant bias talking that I will leave it to everyone to decide... and again, even though I will get blamed for whomever is elected (because I try to see the good in everyone and also feel it's a duty to back the emcumbant president) I know that they are wrong.

You won't be able to blame me! Screw the whole friggen world

I'm voting.....I just told a friend that I think this may be the most important vote of my lifetime.......YES, I"M VOTING!!!!

[darkeyes]

Doc,
I thought we wouldn't mention politics, ha!ha!
Just pulling your leg (old expression) biggest laugh to many, I do not do voting, but years ago I confess I voted for Perot, ha!ha!
Over the years one has listened to all the same crap they say they are going to do for our country, us, but what has it amounted to??
Okay, I won't go there, because I never got into learning politics, and have no leg to stand on in such discussions.
But my answer to the thread is, " I am not voting", ha! ha!
Take care,

DE

Fayerody,

I made an appt. with my county elections registrar before I left and got my ballot about six days before I flew out. I'm so glad I did as just the day before the local county, school districts, supervisors, etc. info booklet had come out. If I hadn't taken the time to go into the county building and get my absentee ballot I wouldn't have had full information about local and state voting issues.

I read the ballot measures aloud to ma and she was stunned that I actually read the legislation proposed and who is actually behind each measure (16 or so this election in CA). The language is designed to confuse and I can understand why so many voters are disenfranchised.

That all said I am grateful that I am able to vote by mail from a foreign country. I've spent my life growing up watching politics (lots of my friends from elem. and secondary school had parents working their way up the legislative ladder in CA politics) and watching voting in other countries. People being shot for casting a ballot. People trekking by foot tens to hundreds of miles to cast their vote. People standing in line for hours to vote. People in countries that are holding free election for the first time in most citizens lives.........they understand the privilege that voting is.

Whenever I think of this I feel saddened by how few people in this US of A realize the importance of participation in the electoral process. The voter apathy appalls me. I figure if voting can be done by absentee (permently in some cases) while sitting in your robe and eating cereal then why are so many unwilling to even fill out the form for that absentee ballot?

We're fortunate to live in this country despite the differences in administrations over the years. Even with the Patriot Acts we still have more freedoms than a majority of the world.

Maybe I should burn my flag on Tuesday. It is weatherworn and need burial or burning. I'm sure it would incite some locals to get out and vote. Hmmmmmmmmm........???

There's my political rant for this season. If not for the Newshour with Jim Lehrer I wouldn't have watched much coverage of this season's slinging and shuck and jive show.

Glad I voted even though I don't get a sticker for going into my polling place I'm happy that I have the right and freedom to cast my ballot and write in candidates when applicable. [color:red]Democracy only works when the people participate in it.[/color]

ARGH!! Why bother with editing when it just removes the UBB coding?! ARGH!!!!!

[krzyk101]

Although I do intend to vote, what I find sad is not the 12% (current result now) of those who choose not to vote. The thing that really deeply saddens me is that the very fact that there are over 5,000+ registared members and from 10/29/2004 only *25* members have chose to even participate in this mini FUN poll.

Myself being on Social Security Disability and State Public Assistance (which recieves Federal Funding), and living in a Federal Subsadized Housing Project.

I may be small to organizations such as High End Retail Sales in which pass me by knowing that I will never on the income (below poverty level) in which I recieve be able to make a purchase a name quickly taken off their mailing list. As they and I know this will not be of benifit to either of us.

Voting however in any election no matter how poor or rich, is a right given to all who qualify.

If the actual election has a turnout such as this, then the country really will be in trouble more than the times arlready are trying. I know that one who is such as myself (living below poverty level) so poor it is easy to dismiss the election as a vote that 'don't count' only this is not true. Each vote rather you have a bank account with 10 MILLION DOLLARS in which to sit on or not even 7 PENNIES to count, when you go out and vote, it CAN change both those with the MILLIONS, and those with only PENNIES....

I need all the PENNIES I can get and the pennies for me are getting more and more dificult to make stretch to pay the bills, the State Medicaid Co-Pay has increased by 500% on Generic Medications in my State to just name one. While my Government Disability check increse was less that 3% this year I must vote if I expect such things to change for the better for me.

I CANNOT choose that I have a Mental Illness, However I CAN chose to put in my 2 Cents with the election and vote (while I still have 2 cents to do so) Please go to the polls find a way, your vote counts more than you know.

I'm not sure how it is in other states; but in Texas we have early voting, so I have already voted. I have a sister who feels that her vote doesn't count, and I was married to a woman who felt that why should she vote because mine just cancelled hers out; but for me it's the process. For me it's the least that I can do to make my voice be heard. My little brother stationed in Iraq has also made me very aware that the soldiers need all the support they can get over there and that our vote does matter.

[downsolong]

re: doc john

Against my desire to be involved with politics I find myself drawn into it, the stakes are too high and so many people continue to be hurt in horrendous ways. Over the years I have become very political, though not as though you would see it in my accomplishments, as opportunity to work my way up, in my areas of interest, have been scarce or nonexistent (my perception).

I hope to see this country turned around from the disastrous self-defeating path it seems bent on at present. This seems as important an election as any I've ever seen! As I have a chance to make what is probably only a symbolic vote, because of the Electoral College system that steals my vote, being in a slight minority where I live, though it might get stolen electronically anyway, I will still vote!!! It is vital to get this one, I think. A Dieing world of the corrupt wealthy, the enslaved and the neglected is not an option that can go uncontested and unresisted, by any means necessary, if it comes to that! The viability of; Democracy, and our species dependant on a viable natural world as we will always be; might be at stake. The choice of who to vote for to me is not even remotely in question.

Sincerely, Downsolong

[jellowaste]

This is my first year as a registered voter. I have been planning on voting for a write-in. But now I'm wondering if thats the best idea.Why don't they publicize the other candidates? like Walter Brown?

krzykris 101,

You've got my support and my pennies dear.

Thank you for your words.

JONALEXA,

My prayers for your little brother stationed over in Iraq.

Blessing on all service people in all countries for safe harbour.

Thank you for your words as well.

[shakes]

I have always been torn on the low voting numbers in this country. I mean is it better to have someone who does not know the issues or the candidates vote just because they should?
For example my boyfriend does not follow the news/politics/anything of the sort. All he does is listen to what his father says about "liberals being lying communists." My boyfriend is misinformed (he thinks that the iraqi war is because they blew up the twin towers AND does not believe it is possible for friendly fire to exist. His opinions are based on lies and misinformation...but he is voting for Bush...is this right?
Sorry for venting...

Jessica

[(JD)]

He is exercising his right... right or wrong. Is it right to vote for someone because of his/her stand on a item that affects you.. only because of that one issue? Probably not, but we do vote that way.

I AM planning on voting on the local races and referendums, so no one has to burn the flag, unless it needs retirement.. then bury the ashes.

AND I usually do vote absentee ballot.. but the postcard for me to send in to REQUEST for an absentee ballot didn't arrive TILL AFTER THE CUT OFF DATE FOR THE ballot TO BE RETURNED> Yes folks, there are big problems in FL! already there are 200,000 ballots at issue... and the post office is in the middle of it.

We were offered early voting for the first time in history: average wait over 2 hours. High voter turnout for those who are interested. Can I wait in line tomorrow to vote? No. I already have 3 doctor's appointments, one being a biopsy. If the line is very long, I will not get to exercise my right to vote, and once again I will be "disenfranchised."

Thanks DocJohn for this "one time" allowance to vent.. this is a hot topic and we needed a place...

[shakes]

Sky,
I completely agree with you. It is his right to vote that way. I guess I just do not know why I said that. Everybody has the right to vote anyway they please. I guess I am just one of those people where if I am going to do something then I make sure I do it right. Meaning that I try to do research on all candidates and get their stand on issues before I vote for them. I do not nor can I expect everyone to do the same thing. I guess I just view the extra research as part of something you should do because we do have the right to vote.

Jessica

[(JD)]

Yes, and I agree with you, the informed voter is the best! When someone spouts only one viewpoint and doesn't even KNOW the other side, it tends to cause me to label them... and makes their comments insignificant. I shudder to realize that this is probably the average voter.

BTW it took 1 1/2 hours to vote today. I was in tremor and quite unsteady from the process... THEN I found out at other precincts the Workers distributed absentee ballots to fill out on line if you couldn't handle the waiting. Is anything fair anymore?