It’s a good thing to do, even if you’re embittered about your election choices this year. Voting is a relatively recent human phenomenon, and it gives citizens a powerful voice, even if an indirect one, in the halls of government.
You may be fortunate to live in the state of Iowa. If so, you can vote tomorrow, even if you are not now registered. Simply e-search for your polling place and bring the stuff they tell you to bring: photo id plus proof of address. Check your state’s rules on same-day-registration/voting, if not Iowa, and come prepared. Your county auditor is the best place to start, and all you need to do is search for “(county name) + county auditor” and you should find all the info you need.
Avoid busy hours like lunch and dinner time. If you needed to take a lunch hour at 10:30 or 2 o’clock, it would be worth it.
Next time think about voting in advance.
And keep in mind, if your vote wasn’t important, political parties and action committees and all wouldn’t be flooding your swing state with ads and you wouldn’t be getting robo- and other calls. They are courting you. Make sure they pay for it. Make a choice or two tomorrow, and participate in a great American tradition. If you are living in Ames 3-3, I hope to see you at the polls tomorrow.
5 November 2012 at 11:17 pm
It is inconceivable to me that anyone who cares enough to pay attention over the last several months would have the need to register at the last possible moment. No one is THAT busy.
6 November 2012 at 4:42 am
Working class people who work two shifts may live in municipalities that don’t have easy registration….
6 November 2012 at 5:57 am
On the other hand, I’ve been on the receiving end of the institutional suppression of voting rights. I still recall with bitterness registering to vote four weeks before 1991 Election Day in Virginia and being told I could not vote because I missed the deadline by two days. No matter that I could certainly prove who I was and where I lived.
Ever since, it has been my practice to register to vote at the same time I shift auto registration and get a library card.
It strikes me as more conceivable that many citizens tune out the last several months as much as possible. I have no problem even with a last-minute change-of-heart. Those might be the most inspired voters of all.