Options for Participation:Voting

Hello humans! Our first Presidential debate started this week with vocal mayhem, critical chaos and team spirit. Television commentators and podcasters have been finger pointing and mulling over conspiracy theories. There is an abundance of chatter. Some people have a strong meme game and some of these creations are hilarious. But let us get to the heart of the matter, choice!

Whether it's the school board, library, best restaurant or school band, you have the right to choose to participate and vote in the aforementioned contests and the upcoming Presidential election on Tuesday November 5, 2024. There are candidates that are media darlings a/k/a known entities, but there are other contenders that you can research and decide to cast a vote for. https://ballotpedia.org/Presidential_candidates,_2024

As an adult, eighteen years old and older you can take time to research, make an informed decision and decide to vote. Depending on your state, you may be able to go to the polls and vote early: https://www.vote.org/early-voting-calendar/ If you have moved or would like to register: https://vote.gov/ If you would like information on the need for identification to vote: https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/voter-id Also, here is information in a PDF format for individuals that were criminally convicted regarding their right to vote by state: https://www.justice.gov/d9/2024-01/voting_with_a_criminal_conviction_7.6.23.pdf

Here is information on the option to write in the name of a candidate: https://www.usa.gov/write-in-candidates You will have to search by state, but you can obtain the information on writing in a name for elections on the federal, state and local levels. You are not obligated to tell anyone who you voted for, if you decide to participate.

You have the option to choose to not participate. You can sleep in, go fishing, shop online and not vote at all on November 5th. Dine alone at your favorite restaurant and enjoy the day. You will probably hear some negative commentary from friends and family regarding democracy, history, duty, etc. If you don't speak to anyone, stay off of social media, shut off your cellphone or wear earbuds all day, you will miss the missives and the guilt trip.

Americans, you have the opportunity to make the move towards the voting booth, use an absentee ballot or abstain and sit out this election. The choice is yours and the consequences will start on November 6th.

American FlagPhoto byCarol Durant