Why is it important to 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
777736
This is very funny, thinking about it makes me laugh, because all the technology that is out there, you can vote for American Idol on-line or through the phone. Why not vote for president? We still have these old machines for Voting that are rusted and very noisy.  If they would have voting through the phones or the Internet, I believe a bigger % of the population will vote, because a lot of people don't vote because they don't feel like going out there everyday routing to wait in line to vote.
495422
Maybe you are happy with the way things are run, so you see no reason to vote.  But maybe you don't know yet how the government affects you.  Once you do, you may want to vote, or maybe you will think that your vote is powerless to change the system.  It is good that you are at least asking the question.
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.
1122907
I think some people vote with their religion because if they are truly religious, their religion gives them the values they believe in. You are generalizing in saying that 'most people' vote according to abortion and the death penalty. Some people do because they feel they are important topics in their lives. Some people vote according to their economic interests because that is important to them. Some people vote according to their environmental beliefs, because that is important to them. A person's beliefs, whether they are religious or otherwise, make up who they are. Perhaps that's why people sometimes use their religion as a base for their voting habits.
231921
We have an oportunity at every election to change things, I still have my doubts about the last two presidental elections being on the up and up. But that is where we start by voting. We need to get more democrats in office to provide a balance to the evil doer that is in the White House. It is so important to vote. Even if the results are tainted. We need to overwhelm the repuglicans with a voting shock and awe.
192194
Most important: they should not be corrupted.\n\nThat is the reason I rarely vote !
788094
People vote or don’t vote for a number of reasons.  Since I could first vote (1952) I have never missed an opportunity to vote (across three States), so obviously voting is important to me.  However, I would not apply the same to everyone.  Those who don’t vote simply make it easier for the rest of us to get our candidates and issues winning the vote.\n\nHowever, voting should not be the only rule of being proactive.  Do you (voters) know who is elected and appointed to positions in your own community.  Are you familiar with the budgets for the various jurisdictions?  Do you attend council meetings and county board of supervisor meetings?  Do you attend the work sessions for the various issues? \n\nIn opinion, voting is only part of the citizen’s responsibilities.  So if you are going to knock people for not voting, you should also knock voters who are not aware of what is going on in their own community.
684087
I DONT KNOW WHY YOU WOULD WANT TO VOTE SO BAD I ALWAYS WANTED TO VOTE AND WHEN I GOT OLD ENOUGH I REALIZED THAT THE ONLY VOTES THA COUNT IS THE ONES THE GOVERNMENT WANT TO COUNT..LOOK AT ALL THE VOTES THAT DIDNT COUNT WHEN BUSH WAS BEING ELECTED. DO YOU REALLY THINK YOU OF ALL PEOPLE CAN CHANE THE WORLD AND MAKE IT A BETTER PLACE.
832390
Nothing.  It's a right, but it's not mandatory.\n\nBut you really should vote.
928363
It is important to vote Democrat.
251208
Let everyone know that in order to maintain a society that is orderly and law abiding, we should all participate in an election. It's important that we research candidates and laws prior to an election so that we know what we want. We have to make ourselves heard. Every vote counts!
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!!!
608258
Things get done quickly and relatively efficiently without the need to vote on things.  Since all of the power is with one person, if the one person is good, then things will be very good.  Of course, there's the downside if the one person isn't that great.
725693
It gives the public an opportunity to see and hear the candidates that they will be voting for.  A chance to understand their views and decide if they are worthy of getting a vote.\n\nPublic debates, along with the recent 'Town Hall Meetings' that have popped up in the last few years are vital in allowing voters to size up and interact with candidates and make a somewhat informed decision.
596040
Yes. I think citizens should have to pass a simple test to vote. As an example, for a national election you should have to be able to name at least one of your State's Senators and the current President. Ever watch Jay Leno's Jay Walk bit. It's really an eye opener.
237213
They do.  They care about their vote.