I’m Enfranchised!

Posted on March 5, 2008 by Melissa
Filed Under Miscellaneous

C’mon now! Yesterday I cast my vote for the very first time. It was a good feeling wearing that little sticker all day.

I’ve never voted before, mostly due to feeling like it really didn’t matter. Eric was surprised that I hadn’t voted before and insisted that the next election I would be at the polls. It is important to him and I’m glad he encouraged me to drop my apathetic attitude about it.

Apparently I’m not the only one getting revved up this year. Reports say that record numbers of first-time voters are heading to the polls. It’s awesome that people are wanting to get involved.

I now see the value in voting, even if you live in a state that seems permanently aligned to the right or left. Voting allows you to make your voice heard on issues that directly impact your pocketbook. These political leaders will influence policy regarding our major financial concerns; like the economy, health care, and taxes.

Voting for the candidate that you like (or dislike least) is part of being proactive with your finances.

I still have some doubts that my one little vote will change the world, but the simple act of declaring my choice makes me feel more in control of my financial future. Even if the candidate I prefer doesn’t win, voting sure beats doing nothing and allowing everyone else to decide for me.

On a side note - it was really interesting to watch the political ads. It’s the first time I’ve really seen them. Usually the candidates have been decided before the primaries make it to Texas. I had the radio on most of the day yesterday and I think I heard a Clinton or Obama ad every commercial break. They really stepped it up around here.

Did you vote in this year’s primaries? Do you feel voting affects your financial future or do you feel it is a waste of time?

Image Source: Daquella manera

Comments

8 Responses to “I’m Enfranchised!”

Elizabeth on March 5th, 2008 12:18 pm

Good for you!

I have a lot of problems with our poitical system, but I personally believe “if you didn’t vote, you can’t complain.” If you hate all the major candidates, vote for the Green party candidate, or the Socialist, or the Libertarian.

Haven’t thought much about the impact of voting on my finances, but it’s certainly something that should be taken into consideration.
debtdieter on March 5th, 2008 1:47 pm

Voting is complusory here in Australia, so we all vote. I think it makes a difference.
TheNormalMiddle on March 5th, 2008 5:38 pm

Well, here where I live, my vote doesn’t count in the primaries. By the time it gets here in May, the nominees are always already picked and done with.

It stinks.

But at least the real election doesn’t work that way. I’d fight tooth and nail to get a national primary day where we ALL vote on the same day just like the real election in November.

I know all votes count, yada yada yada but really, mine does not this year.
Kyle on March 5th, 2008 11:59 pm

Glad you got out to vote!

(Disclaimer: This may sound like I am on my soapbox and I really hope it does not come off that way because I don’t mean it to at all.) But I make sure to vote in every election, not because my vote matters or makes a difference, but I do it in respect to those men (and women) who lost their lives ensuring our freedom, which gave us the right to cast our ballot in the first place.
Caryn Verell on March 6th, 2008 8:32 am

i was taught in gradeschool that when i grew up it would be my duty as an american citizen to work hard, pay taxes, and vote. i am like alot of other folks…don’t care much for politics but i do give a lot of thought to how i vote and why i am voting the way i am.
Kaye on March 6th, 2008 10:14 am

I have very strong opinions about voting. I’m very proud of you for stepping up to be heard. I will agree that typically one single vote will not affect the outcome of the entire presidential election, but if each person who felt that way did vote, the outcomes might be very different. I also feel that people who do not vote have no right to complain when something affects their personal life. I wrote a blog about it around the time of Super Tuesday.

http://mrsnespysworld.blogspot.com/2008/02/vote.html

Once again…great job casting your vote. The country needs you!
Stacey on March 6th, 2008 2:28 pm

I have not had a chance to vote in the primary yet - my state is the last one to vote in June. I’m excited this year because my little state with three little delegates *might* make a difference. My husband rolls his eyes when I say this: I HOPE neither Clinton or Obama conceed before then because I think for once, South Dakota might get some political attention :)
Jerry on March 7th, 2008 10:14 am

Thank you for voting, it is a privilege that many people in the world simply do not have. The system in our country is not perfect, but it is the best we’ve got! I think that this election will lead many new voters to the polls, and that is a good thing. There is never any insurance that we will indefinitely keep our freedoms unless we remain active in a civil sense. As a registered Independent, my vote may not count until the actual election, but I will be thrilled to take my 3-year-old daughter to the polls and tell her how important it is to be there.
Jerry
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