It's cool like dat, its col like dat...
A few weeks ago I met someone from Chicago, IL (the President's home state) who moved here for work. In making conversation I asked her if she was registered to vote here. She said, "Of course it's my God given right!"
I thought this was a pretty interesting response. Did you know that in 2008 nationally voter turnout for the 18-29 demographic was 51.1% while in Hawaii (the President's original home state) the turnout for the same demographic was 30.9% (www.civicyouth.org).
I have heard anecdotal reasons for this. Young people in Hawaii are "distracted by the sun and the surf"; or they are "too busy" to keep up with what is going on. Kind of nice ways of saying young people here are too ignorant or just don't care.
I have also heard anecdotal reasons for young people to vote. This is about "your future". This is about "the next generation". This is about "your Hawaii". Although these are true, I think that girl from Chicago said it best: It's your God given right!
To me that's the reason why young people should vote. Throughout history and even today people are fighting for their right to vote all over the world. At this very moment our friends and family in the military are protecting our rights and freedom, including the right to vote. Just like my grandfather did in the 442nd during WWII.
Even if you don't know or like the candidates you can always leave the ballot blank. Any political consultant will tell you that a blank vote says a lot more than a vote cast.
So if you are not registered to vote or know someone who doesn't vote, especially in that 18-29 demographic, here is some information:
Tomorrow August 19, 2010, is the last day to register for the primary election.
The last day to register for the general election is October 4, 2010.
For information on voting by mail, polling places, and absentee voting go to http://hawaii.gov/elections
So exercise your God given right!
As for that girl from Chicago, thanks for the inspiration for this post, and just to let you know it's also your God given right to look me up on Facebook! LOL! Seriously thanks again!
I am a Buddhist who likes sports especially the Cowboys, Dodgers, Phillies, and Longhorns. I like good food and good sake. Of course I am always looking for that occasional inspiration, I am a Buddhist remember! Why am I doing this? I guess its just a social experiment. An attempt to share and communicate with others in a positive way. So if "Its cool like dat, its Col like dat!"
I am a Buddhist who likes sports especially the Cowboys, Dodgers, Phillies, and Longhorns. I like good food and good sake. Of course I am always looking for that occasional inspiration, I am a Buddhist remember! Why am I doing this? I guess its just a social experiment. An attempt to share and communicate with others in a positive way. So if "Its cool like dat, its Col like dat!"
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