Why is voting important?
817545
Because it's a right for us to see who were electing. Thanks to all those who fought for our right to vote, we can decide what to do. Voting means that you can control who you're voting for in the elections and if that representative does a lousy job, you can vote him/her out. Of course, it would be better if you had a field of options not like the average race where you have between 1 and 3 at the very least.
437817
There is more power in the vote. It is the final answer to petition, however to bring an issue to vote sometimes you have to petition to do it.
1071555
Because too many things can go wrong. Technical difficulties, hackers, viruses, spyware; all of these things that affect normal online activities would become another factor in what's wrong with the voting system. Voting in person and allowing someone to count it by hand/machine/whatever is really the safest way to make sure no one tampers with your vote; the only thing you have to worry about is human error.
832758
it helps promote and interest in something if people have a say in what they like. people will then watch more and read more and listen more so that they will have more ammo so to say as to why they picked what they did when they voted. it makes more conversation and spreads faster
361689
A secret ballot has little to do with being ashamed of your candidate. It is so one can vote without fear of reprisal from any opposing factions. In newly established democracies, this is especially important.
192194
Most important: they should not be corrupted.\n\nThat is the reason I rarely vote !
966681
To be a citzen of this country we have certain rights and priviledges. We also have certain responsibilities to be active in positive change. Society is a form of extended family. We all contribute to society, either in a positive way or a negative way. To vote is to give a voice in playing a role in positive change. Many men died for our right to vote, as well as the other rights we now take for granted. Women could not vote for many years because they were not considered an important part of decision making. Now we all have a responsibility to make the world a better place and we now have the right to do so. Women more than ever now, should excercise their right to vote. All policies are made by the elected officials we get into office. All policies effect each and every citizen. Each one of us have a duty to leave the world a better place for the next generations because we lived. We can and should be aware of policies and officals. We should read the news and understand the direction our country is going in. Many important, critical issues are at hand currently. Healthcare issues are among the top of the list. Social Security for the aging and the disabled is in jeopardy. Even though these issues may not effect you right now, the day will come that they will effect you. Also, the issues are not just about us but about doing the best we can do for all citizens. The elderly should be our responsibility to care for them the best we can. They have worked all of their lives to make the world better for us and it is now our turn to see that they are properly cared for with issues such as Medicare, Social Security etc. Our children are also equally important and the primary education system is at risk for falling behind. We need to be proactive to make change for our children and future generations to come. Education is critical, many other countries are way ahead of us and we are falling behind. Legislation is where it all begins. We have had many devastating disasters recently and have seen many of our citizens not recieving the help needed, such as with Katrina. Federal funds are determined by legislation. We have many poor relations with many countries right now, we desperately need politicians in office who can work for peaceful relations with other countires. We have rising educational costs with colleges, which requires effective solutions to ensure that we have educated adults entering the work force, with out the funds available many will not get the education and the country will suffer. Crime is rising nationwide, prisons are failing and we need better solutions to deviant behavior. Mental health population is suffering due to lack of funds and interest from our leaders. Jobs are being outsourced to other countries mainly China. Immagration controversies are a huge issue now. We, as a people should stand together instead of being divided. The government represents the people and they are employed by the people. The people are made up by each and every citizen. The government and politicians have taken over our country and fail to listen to the people. We need to remind Washington DC that they do not dictate policy but assert the policies the people want. \nDrug use, abuse, and addiction are at an all time high. The drug situation is a host of multiple problems. Every time a person buys illegal drugs the money goes towards terrorism, which we are fighting a war against. We have addiction cenetrs popping up all over the country, leading to increased medical costs that society absorbs due to most of the addicts not working and welfare footing the bill. WE have AID's which is leading to many other diseases to be on the rise. We have science looking for cures to diseases such as cancer. We still have issues like abortion, which are very controversial. We have a society at risk for loosing the leadership status with the world. The list goes on and on. Watch the news and see all of the problems and think about the root of
940292
This is just as important to vote Tuesday as in the presidential elections.  We need to have people who are capable of watching our backs at the government level.  I want them to show up for work and be able to make a honest- not political- decision on how things should be for the good of all not just a few.
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.
743908
Democracy is voting,\nVoting is right to choose.\nSo without voting there is no democracy.\nWhat else can be more important then that.
1159638
The success of the US is based on an informed electorate...without an informed electorate citizens will make poor choices in the voting booth.  Responsible political discourse is the duty of every citizen...the sharing and exchange of ideas is critical to the functioning of our country...also, I find people and their opinions extremely interesting.
663036
I think the biggest reason for this is they don't see it as having a major effect on their lives.  Most of the issues (major issues) don't pertain to them a whole lot.  \n\nNow WE know that these are the fundamental building blocks for things that WILL be important to them (us) later, however with the pressures of work, school (for some), and just life in general it is easy to become complacent and fall into the trap.\n\nI know and feel a personal sense of responsibility (and pride) in voting, however some (not all) just don't care.  That's the saddest part of all...
943942
If it's today or tomorrow - persuade them to VOTE!\n\nYoung people are very apathetic about voting, but they can make a difference!\n\n(And teacher's love this type of topic!)\n\nBest of luck!
59762
We are the voters.  We are the one responsible for them.  If people paid attention before voting, we would not have these kind of problems.
839947
Vote regardless if it fixed or not because your expressing your approval or disapproval of the leading representing you. Your never gonna have 100% clean election with human error factored in. Gerrymandering is good way to fix a election to ensure you get reelected every-time, and computer crash could occur in 2006 but likely 90% of the election results will be clean. The Die-bold Machines only vote for Benedict Arnold like the Princeton study concluded but you should vote anyways because that is what democracy is about.
259755
I've voted in every election since I tunred 18.  However, there's only been one.\n\n>>>voting doesn't really do us any good<<<\n\nYes it does.  High voter turn-out tells the politicians they're accountable to the people, and how you vote lets them know what you want.  Sure a bill may be overturned by the courts, but the fact that it passed in the first place (and how much it passed by) tells politicians that it's popular, and will encourage them to propose a similar but better constructed bill in congress.  And those politicians will know that if they don't do what the majority wants, they'll be voted out at the next election.  Only the president is elected by the electoral college.  The outcome of most elections does reflect the collective will of the voters, and most bills are not overturned by the courts.  If you don't like what politicians are doing, get up and vote - they only listen to the voters.\n\nHigh voter turn-out also demonstrates our power as a democracy to the rest of the world.  You may not be aware of this, but people in Europe make fun of our low voter turn-out.  How can we go around trying to 'democratize' other countries when we can't even get our own citizens to vote?
428870
Electoral votes matter