Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Vote

In my memory, each presidential election campaign has been uglier than the one before. On top of the usual partisanship, this year unprecedented amounts of racism and sexism were injected into the mix, although Obama seemed to stay above it all. Add in that this year, roughly 8 MILLION perfectly legitimate voters will be turned away from the polls, thanks to the so-called "Help America Vote Act" which led to purges of huge percentages of voters in swing states like Indiana, Colorado, and Pennsylvania. These people won't even know they can't vote until it's too late to do anything about it. A bold stand by Ohio's secretary of state prevented virtually all newly registered voters from being purged at the insistence of the Ohio GOP, which was something of a victory for democracy, as well as Democrats.

Oprah's vote got flipped right before her eyes, so that means it can happen to anyone. Be careful when you vote. Choose paper instead of electronic if possible. If you are somehow challenged or offered a provisional ballot, insist on your right to cast a REAL ballot -- more often than not, the squeaky wheel will get the grease. If need be, call in support at 1-866-OUR-VOTE or call 1-877-874-6226. Fight for your right.

It's gotta be a huge margin, too big to be stolen. Do your part to make it happen.

Please vote. And vote wisely. Reject fear, and vote for hope.