Do you vote?  If not, why?
412677
The last time I voted was when Bill Clinton was elected.  I voted once before that.  I chose not to vote in the past elections because I never felt there was a candidate worth his salt or my time.\n\nI know some say that if you don't vote you don't get change but if I had voted and it made a difference- would we really have been better off with the likes of Kerry in the white house.  People say anyone would be better than Bush and that may be so- but at the time of the election- I sure didnt feel we would be better with Kerry and I didn't want to see Bush there so I chose not to choose.
1067248
they vote for it for themselves, don't you wish you could?
236316
It's more. You have a _responsibility_ to vote. Voting is the orgasm of democracy. Unfortunately, most citizens can't get it up.
319057
If you don't vote, don't complain about what is going on. I voted, now I can complain to my heart's content...certainly worth the trip to the polls. Of course, once the votes are all counted, they will be sent to Florida to be recounted, and we will all win with another wonderful, honest, peace-loving government, won't we?
667500
I was wondering the same thing because I wanted to see if there are others out there who get involved and what that means to different people.\nI vote.
259041
YES! However the reason is because I'm a libertarian, not because I want to vote against DemocRat or Republicunts.
744467
I do not vote for anyone that is overly religious because I think their beliefs would out rule what is best for the citizens This Country is based on seperation of Church and State.. I vote for people that I feel are truthful and want to do what is best for our Country- I don't vote Party because I don't necessarily agree with someone just because they are a Democrat or Republican... I listen to both sides and decide who I think has the best ideas and who I think has the same beliefs as me as to what would help our Country run the way it should
870335
Yes, by all means, VOTE!\n\n(unless you're Republican, of course - JUST KIDDING!).\n\nYou're right, it is a sign of our times, dirty tricks on both sides (some already proven), questionable voting machines ,etc.  But you should vote for two reasons:  \n\nAs an American citizen it is your right and duty to vote.  The only way to ensure our Democracy is for our citizens to exercise their rights under that Democracy, including voting for those who will lead it and shape its policies.\n\nIf you believe that the current Administration is bungling the war in Iraq, or can't handle a disaster like Katrina, or disagree with Bush's assessment that Rumsfeld and Cheney are doing a heck of a job (like "Brownie" did), then you need to vote Democratic to restore a balance of power in Washington.  If you think America is 100% on the right track, and that the President should have almost unlimited power, with a rubber-stamp congress and superceding even the Constitution, you should vote Republican.\n\nEither way, you should vote.  Regardless of who they vote for,  I hope all good citizens do and vote their conscience, not what their party or religious leaders tell them to.
1044569
I vote. However, I can understand why people wouldn't vote. Our elected officials are sold to us, plain and simple. Those who have enough money for advertising put themselves on tv between our favorite programs and we pick one. And its usually a which candidate do you dislike the most scenario. But I don't think its a good idea to encourage people to vote for the sake of voting. People should be encouraged to make an informed decision when voting. They should actually get to know the candidates platforms before they vote. If they are gonna vote for a guy because he's the kind of guy they'd like to have a beer with or if they are gonna not vote for a guy because they don't like how exited he sounded at his rally, then I would rather them not show up. It's like we all have to vote on what car we would drive and some of us are making a decision based on fuel economy and safety and some of us who had equal say based their decision on the song playing in the commercial.
842635
Absolutely yes. I vote every election. That is my debt to all the armed services, past and present.\nWe had the touch screen machines, and it went smooth as glass. In and out in under ten minutes including signing in and everything.
299326
I vote, but I live in the U.S.  In my opinion voting is definitely important.  I also think that people that don't vote should not run their mouths about who is currently in office because had they taken the time to go vote they may have been able to sway the outcome of the election.
1162569
peoples apathy.  you get what you vote for.  if you don't vote you dont have the right to complain if what you get is not what you want.
979781
Me.  I volunteered to go to war.  Did so gladly.  Got wounded.  And wanted to go back.  I fly the flag in front of my house everyday.\n\nMore important, I vote every election and respect my critics.  Nuff said?
905974
I VOTED BECAUSE I WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!  BE LIVE IT OR NOT ONE PERSON CAN.\n\nSee I told you so look how close the races were. People can make a difference and need to instead of sitting on the sidelines hollering.
785705
I think it is a civic duty for every American citizen to vote. But you are very right that an ignorant vote may defeat your own purpose, because when you randomly vote for anyone on the ballot that somehow seems at the moment to possibly be the better choice, even though you know absolutely nothing about that persons history or views, you may actually help elect someone who does not have your best interest in mind. Even voting blindly straight down for one particular party, but you really don't know if some of them do not represent you political views, you may be making a mistake.\n\nHaving said that, I urge that all Americans start caring to research the candidates before any election and become INFORMED and there fore be an informed voter for a better America. I am Republican because I believe in Republican values in general, and I vote mostly Republican, but I will vote Democrat or Independent or Green, too, if I like that candidate better for his or her voting history or moral outlook over the Republican alternative. I voted for Bush and I stand by him now even when there is so much Bush bashing going on all around me, because I have done my homework and I see that he is an honest man who is doing his best and has the right ideas. I do also resent that there are so many stupid people who want to undermine our leadership in a terribly dangerous time of war which weakens our position and makes all the other countries laugh at us. And, I don't believe in blindly following a trend that hates one candidate or loves another just to be popular not really understanding all there is to it. So, before you vote, please study all of the issues in depth and know what your candidate really stands for, and don't listen to partisan propaganda to form your opinions.
815557
why we should exercise our right to vote
868502
OF COURSE IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE!!!!!\n\nWe get to choose our leaders!  That is the bedrock of our democracy!!!  If you choose not to vote, you give up your voice!  Don't let other people choose your leaders for you - VOTE!!!