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Please vote

In the last presidential election, fewer than 60% of voting age Americans actually voted. And this was one of the most watched events in history.  In the prior election it was fewer than 40% Surprised? Don’t be.  The numbers have been low for years.  This year,  we can all step up and do something about it. (CLICK HERE to find voting locations in Chicago)

There are a lot of reasons why it never makes sense to abstain from voting.

From the legal angle, if you don’t vote, then you aren’t thinking enough about the issues. The policies at stake are not only important, but they impact you profoundly.  If you consider the rules and policies of healthcare, education reform and unemployment a little more, you’d know just how much your voice mattered.

From the business side, I’d say this is a serious marketing problem. Not just from the candidates but from state government too.  How can you not exercise your most fundamental right to vote, to have a say, and to take part in shaping our most important economic issues.

If you don’t vote because you’re confused, then that doesn’t make sense.  There’s enough information out there to get more informed quickly and make a choice.

If you don’t vote because you think your state is already determined, then you might want to think again.  Because if everyone felt that exact way, then the numbers could swing in either direction very quickly. It’s the voters paradox. More importantly, the margin of victory in your district could still be a factor in the momentum any candidate gets during the election.

If you don’t vote because you don’t have the time, then make the time. I’m busy too, but spending a few minutes to register and vote is well worth the time.

If you don’t vote because you don’t like the game of politics, I understand, but don’t agree.  Half of the “game” of politics is a ploy by the news channels to get more eyeballs and make more money.  Another part is paid TV ads trying to get their party an advantage over the other.  But nothing unexpected given what’s at stake in two weeks.

The good thing about voting is this.

1. Voting is free. Or the price of a stamp if you mail your ballot in.
2. You can vote from anywhere, and send in an absentee ballot if need be.
3. You can take part in the outcome.
4. You can help shape the next four years of our nation (or of your local geography in other elections)
5. You can join the other thousands of people that will be doing the same.
6. You can influence other people in your community to vote.
7. You can exercise a right that people have fought and died for.
8. You can get smart about the issues.
9. You can take a stand for what you believe in.
10. You can get started learning and have a stronger voice next time.

The candidates are different. So are their policies, motivations and stories.

Every single person, in every state, city, district and county should absolutely exercise their right and privilege to choose.

In short, please vote.

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