We are only 15 more days from the big election.....are you registered to vote? Hopefully, because it is too late for this go around if you aren't.

I hear the excuse all the time that we aren't a swing state so my one vote won't matter anyhow. Whether I vote or not, all 4 electoral votes that our wonderful state has to offer will go to Bush. Well what would happen if everyone turned an apathic check to this process?

I have to give in and agree that here we probably aren't going to be deciding the Presidential outcome anytime in the near future. I say great, let Florida look like the idioits that didn't seem to learn how to count or punch holes in cards for that matter, while still in grade school. Some decisions we just don't have any control over, but we can make sure that the 4 electoral votes that we do have get cast in the direction to which we would have them go. In this sense, every electoral vote adds one and does make a difference.

The biggest difference that we can make is in our state and local elections. First things first, know the issues!! A voter should know the difference between Proposition 3 and Initiative 1. You should also know the difference between candidates. You should know where they stand on issues such as education, waste storage, taxes, immigration, public lands, ect., ect., ect.,.... Voting without knowledge is almost as bad as not voting at all. There is published material that help all voters become aware of the issues and what the pro's and con's of so that they can make an educated decision. These decisions will effect what happens in your community. If you don't vote, you can't complain because you have choosen to not have a voice.

Now is the time to prepare to cast a knowledgeable vote. Pick up a information booklet at your local library or Post Office (well then you would also have to read it because putting it under your pillow and soaking it up by osmosis has yet to work for me, just sayin').