Today Wisconsin is in the spotlight, as a significant primary election on the path to November's general election. I voted shortly before noon, and was ballot 211 at my assigned polling place. This number is unusually high for me since I almost always vote on my way to work in the morning. Today that wasn't going to work so I set aside time around lunch to head to the polls.
Now I have to ask myself "self, is 211 a good number or a bad number?" You see there have been some elections in the past where my polling place didn't get 200 voters all day and here I was, number 211 before lunch. That could be a good sign. Or, it could be a bad sign. You see, there are many more than 200 elegible and registered voters assigned to the same polling place. How many more I'm not sure but I know there are many. Where are they? Don't they recognize that they have a right to exercise and a responsibility to uphold? Don't they think their vote counts?
Perhaps they think by not voting, they are casting a ballot for "None Of The Above". Unfortunately, last time I checked, Mr/Ms. NOTA wasn't on the ballot. Perhaps it was too cold to go out to the polls today. Perhaps they were too busy with other things. Perhaps the polls weren't open long enough. Perhaps they just don't care.
How unfortunate it would be if any of those reasons were true. When you head out (after all you're not too busy and its not too cold for you) please take time to call a neighbor and offer them a ride. The car will seem warmer with a passenger and they'll be thankful that you cared.
Thanks for exercising your right to vote!
Thanks for upholding your responsibility to vote!
Thanks for caring!
