Election Day

[resqgeek]

Its election day, and while I'm pretty sure that this is a very off election year in most parts of the country, Virginia's election cycle is sufficiently out of sync with the rest of the nation to provide a full slate of offices up for grabs. All the seats in the state legislature are up for a vote today, with control of the state Senate potentially up for grabs. Most county positions are up for a vote, as well as the school board seats, so there was a fair bit to think about in the voting booth this morning.

I have been growing steadily more unhappy with the state of Virginia politics, and for once, the elections feel like they might have a chance of actually changing the direction of the State. I walked into the voting booth with a very different feeling than I have in recent years. For once, it felt like I could actually have an impact on the future, that my vote might actually mean something. I'm now anxious to see how the election plays out.

I've been reading that the outcome of this election might have an impact on next year's presidential race, in that it could signal whether the Virginia voters have shifted enough to make Virginia a potential swing state for the first time in decades. If that turns out to be the case, I'll be looking forward to next year's election, as my vote for president might actually mean something for the first time in my life.

Comments

[emperor-fool.livejournal.com]

I love voting (even when I know I'm making no real difference). A gold star to you for doing your civic duty!

[resqgeek]

I try to get out an vote for every election, but I seldom enjoy it because I'm frustrated by my choices (or lack thereof). It is so rare that I feel like my vote is going to make any difference in the outcome, that I end up angry about the process. But I still believe that I have a duty to go out and vote, and I take that duty very seriously.

[skyring.livejournal.com]

Cripes. If you don't vote here, you get a please explain letter, and without you have a non-risible excuse, you get fined.

I like it, because it means that everyone, including the homeless and apathetic, show up to vote. Politicians have to appeal to everyone.

One other thing. Why do you Americans always vote on Melbourne Cup day? Don't you find the office parties and general drunkenness hamper the voting process?

[resqgeek]

>>One other thing. Why do you Americans always vote on Melbourne Cup day? Don't you find the office parties and general drunkenness hamper the voting process?<<

Let's see, that means Melbourne Cup day is the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November? Who would've thought anyone else would come up with such a weird way to schedule something?

Office parties and general drunkenness would certainly make it a more enjoyable day, but somehow I don't think it could make the election results any worse than they typically are anyway...