By Cheryl Mattox Berry
The 2012 campaign season is winding down. Political pundits are dissecting every bit of data they can get their hands on. They’re not only predicting who is going to win what states, but which candidate will snag certain blocs of voters. If you’re like me, you’re sick of all the talking heads and back-to-back negative ads. Nov. 6 can’t come soon enough.
Don’t be overwhelmed by all that you’ve seen and heard. Prepare now so that you’ll know what to expect when you go into the voting booth. Get a sample ballot and study it. In addition to candidates for office, there may be amendments on the ballot. They can be poorly word, long and confusing. Don’t get frustrated. Take your time and read each amendment carefully. Make sure your yes or no vote reflects what you want to happen. You can avoid long lines on Election Day by voting early. Here are the Top 10 reasons you should vote:
10. You’ve always wondered what the inside of a voting booth looks like.
9. Can’t wait to get an “I Voted Today!” sticker.
8. It makes your younger siblings think you’re a grown-up.
7. Prove the political analysts wrong about expected apathy among young voters.
6. Show critics that your generation knows how to do something besides text, tweet and post photos on Facebook.
5. Teachers will be impressed that you’re taking your civic responsibility seriously.
4. You’ll finally have something to tell mom when she asks, “What did you do today?”
3. Civil rights workers died so that you could go to the polls.
2. Women worked hard to win the right to vote.
1. Your vote counts!