My Vote Doesn't Count!

[JCJRSmith]

Because we are a united federation of largely independent states, and a popular vote election would mean that California and New York/New Jersey — with their large populations — would determine the outcome of every single election. No one would campaign anywhere else. No one would draft legislation or policy that helped any other states. The other states would simply cease to exist in the minds of politicians. There would be the East Coast, the West Coast, and nothing else. This would lead to a regionally balkanized political landscape in which the unrepresented people in "flyover country" would eventually revolt. The popular vote argument is a recipe for civil war. Our entire governmental structure is purposefully intended to prevent certain regions of the country from becoming all-powerful because the framers of the Constitution, in their astonishing brilliance and foresight, knew that if that happened, the country would disintegrate.

And check your state's laws about voter ID. Those poll workers who aren't asking you for ID may be violating the law, and they should be called out on it.

And lastly, absentee and provisional ballots ARE COUNTED in every single state. It is a federal law and is required of all states in their federal election audit. However, if an election is not close — meaning that if ALL of the absentee and provisional ballots went for one candidate or the other and it still wouldn't change the outcome of the electronic balloting — they aren't included when a state or precinct announces the winner. It takes up to 2 weeks to count such ballots, and the announcement of a winner is typically required much sooner than that, except in extraordinarily close contests.

Outstanding post here, Loco.

I am a firm believer that those who do not participate in the political process by not voting get the government they deserve. Further, if one does not vote, I believe one should have the personal integrity to NOT exercise their right to free speech and complain about the governement that was elected while one stood idly by. Personally, I see voting as an OBLIGATION, not a RIGHT, but that is just MY opinion.

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

I live in the wrong state for my voting habits, too. It is frustrating to feel like I am throwing away my vote, but for a split second when I am casting my vote, I do feel that this may be the time it actually happens. I know, silly, but I still feel I should exercise my right to vote.

 

[Planogirl]

I completely understand your point. Texas always goes Republican and it's frustrating if you're not of that mindset. But of course, the responsible thing to do is to vote isn't it? As pointless as it feels.

 

[disney1990]

My husband and I were talking politics last night and he reminded me that it doesn't even matter who we vote for, this state ALWAYS goes Democrat, period, and Barack Obama is going to get the delegates. He is right, too...our state has never gone Republican in a modern election. Therefore, he says our votes don't count anyway. Which is good, because now I can vote for Ron Paul and not feel like my "wasted" vote is going to help elect Obama (which I do not care to do). Then again, it might be nice to live in a swing state where my vote really mattered. Anyone have insight about this phenomenon?

So would you prefer that we elect our Presidents by popular vote, then Bush would have lost the election? Works for me!

 

[TomLovesBecky]

Every vote counts. What if everyone else in your state thought the way you did? Get out and vote!

I never said I wasn't going to vote. I will definitely vote, probably for Ron Paul, and sleep well at night knowing I didn't inadvertently help Obama get elected. I still think he will probably win. I don't know, just a feeling I have. He is my least favorite choice but I'm a big girl and I can handle reality. I just don't want the guilt that comes with splitting the opposition vote. Honestly I don't know what system would be better but the electoral college is SUPER hard to understand and I don't think it truly represents the will of the people. YES I know that Republicans have benefitted from the system in the past, I want fairness regardless of which side it helps or hurts. I'd rather have Obama elected based on the true will of the people than McCain or someone else elected with this mumbo jumbo we have now. Just my opinion.

 

[perdidobay]

Outstanding post here, Loco.

I am a firm believer that those who do not participate in the political process by not voting get the government they deserve. Further, if one does not vote, I believe one should have the personal integrity to NOT exercise their right to free speech and complain about the governement that was elected while one stood idly by. Personally, I see voting as an OBLIGATION, not a RIGHT, but that is just MY opinion.

Outstanding post here too!

Voting is one of the few rights Americans have left, and if you don't use it, you may someday lose it.

 

[Family Fun Mom]

Absolutely every single vote counts! Weren't you here in 2000? If ever there were a lesson on the importance of every single vote, the 2000 election was it. Don't assume your vote is wasted. Go vote!

 

[Carpenters]

I've had it explained to me that your vote will still count in a way even if your state's electoral votes go to the other party. If a large percentage of people voted for the loser, attention should be paid to that fact by the winner and perhaps adapt policy to reflect those votes. In other words, if they win by a landslide they'll govern differently than they would if the election were close. Cast your vote even if you think your guy can't win, it may make a difference. Every vote counts.

 

[LotsOfQuestions]

(I have considered running for some little local seat somewhere — as a democrat — and then, after winning, pulling the switcheroo and watching all their heads explode. It's very tempting… )

Lie to win. Now why does that not surprise me from "that" party these days.

 

[loco4dis]

Lie to win. Now why does that not surprise me from "that" party these days.

It was very clearly a joke.

Stop the hate. We're sick of the hate. America is sick of the hate. Hate doesn't win elections. Hate doesn't influence people. Stop, stop, stop the hate. McCain and Palin want to reach across party lines and stop the hate. That's why they'll win. Stop. The. Hate.

 

[Carpenters]

Stop the hate. We're sick of the hate. America is sick of the hate. Hate doesn't win elections. Hate doesn't influence people. Stop, stop, stop the hate. McCain and Palin want to reach across party lines and stop the hate. That's why they'll win. Stop. The. Hate.

Senator McCain clearly showed he is only interested in shoring up his Republican base by his selection of Palin. He's not trying to reach across party lines, any more than President "I'm a uniter, not a divider" Bush.

 

[jacksonsmom]

Just read an article from our newspaper, looks like MN WILL count this year. The newest local poll has McCain and Obama dead even at 45%

It does feel good that my vote might actually count a lot this year

Although I think MN will still go into the Blue column this year.
Guess time will tell

 

[dcentity2000]

McCain and Palin want to reach across party lines and stop the hate. That's why they'll win. Stop. The. Hate.

Rich::

 

[loco4dis]

Senator McCain clearly showed he is only interested in shoring up his Republican base by his selection of Palin. He's not trying to reach across party lines, any more than President "I'm a uniter, not a divider" Bush.

Rich::

Stop. The. Hate.

 

[Mickeyistheman]

NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE VOTING FOR......


GET OUT AND VOTE!!!!

This is going to be THE closest Presidential race no matter what anyone says. So YOUR vote does count. By the way before you WRITE someone in think about it. Ron Paul is NOT going to win.

Mickey Mouse is NOT going to win even it he was a write in. So really think about who are voting for.

Our country depends on it.

 

[dcentity2000]

Stop. The. Hate.

Since when did = hate?



Rich::

 

[TomLovesBecky]

NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE VOTING FOR......


GET OUT AND VOTE!!!!

This is going to be THE closest Presidential race no matter what anyone says. So YOUR vote does count. By the way before you WRITE someone in think about it. Ron Paul is NOT going to win.

Mickey Mouse is NOT going to win even it he was a write in. So really think about who are voting for.

Our country depends on it.

I get the feeling you don't understand the electoral system too well. I admit that I don't understand it super well myself, but I understand enough to know that our state is DEFINITELY going Democrat, there is nothing I can do about that, my vote for Ron Paul or John McCain or Mickey Mouse will do nothing to help them or hurt Barack Obama. I have searched online today and found NO ONE willing to say anything other than my state is definitely going Democrat, zero doubt about it. Five different major sites all say it's solidly Democrat and even the candidates have not bothered to waste much time here. If Clinton was running still she'd get the vote, Obama will get the vote because he is a liberal and it's a liberal state. So yes, I will vote for Ron Paul and it will hurt (nor help) no one and since I think he is the best candidate that's who will get my vote. I would never, ever NOT vote but the fact remains that my vote is worth nearly nothing whereas someone in a swing state COULD make a difference.
See the thing is, the electoral vote tally might be close, but my state's delegates are DEFINITELY going to Obama. Your state's might be on the fence. Mine aren't. Obama all the way. Do you see my point now?

 

[wardfamily1]

TomLovesBecky, what state are you in?

 

[rayelias]

To the OP, unless you are in MN, your vote does count

Personally, I hope the 2008 electoral map looks like this too.

I like these maps even better. Kind of refutes the whole "Bush stole the election" garbage you hear from the radical left...

2004 - Bush v Kerry

2000 - Bush v Gore

 

[ravencotygrandma]

Sorry I just have to say you vote does count. If the other candidate does get elected at least you can say you voted your choice.
My son is in Afghanstan and is taking his leave so he can come home to cast his vote. That's how important it is to him.
Just Vote
Sorry off my soap box.
Sandy