Election Day is November 3, two weeks away. In this year of crazy, it’s more important than ever to vote and have a plan for your vote. Depending on the state you live in, you can vote early in person, vote by mail, or show up at the polls on Election Day. I’m excited to report that hubby and I voted early in person and it was super easy. Whatever you choose, be safe and be informed.
Each state has its own rules, so be sure you understand the voting process where you live. Search “Vote in (your state)” to find information about voting options and contact numbers for your local elections board, and see my post on voting for more helpful tips. Mail in ballots seem to generate the most confusion; find out what you must do to make your vote count. Do you need a witness? Must you sign the outside of the envelope? Where is the best place to turn in your ballot?
Here is an interesting podcast on voting. It includes interviews with election officials and tips for making sure your vote counts.
As we approach Election Day, beware of misinformation. Before you share posts, double check them against reliable sources. While social media platforms make it easy to access and share information, they do not encourage nuanced discussion of complicated ideas. Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram thrive on capturing and keeping our attention by any means necessary. They really don’t care if the posts we see and share are accurate. We have to make that happen.
Word Nerd Note: I watched The Social Dilemma last night, and yes, it did give me a lot to think about re: why our country is so polarized now. More on that later…
Get out there and vote! What is your plan for voting this year? Any tips to share?
Someone struggled for your right to vote. Use it.
Susan B. Anthony
Thanks for getting civically responsible with me!
Now that we are 2 months post-election day, we can see even more clearly the power of words – and silence. We are a very polarized nation and in such a time it is necessary that that the citizenry learn to discern truth from falsehood. But if my FB news feed is any indication, most people do not know how nor does it seem that many are interested in developing that skill. They care only for the snippets of information that confirm what they already believe. If they hear something they like, they pass it on without questioning whether or not it is true.
I had the blessing of a father who was committed to truth and and was careful to express himself with the correct words. He could barely stand to listen to politicians for he easily recognized how they manipulated language so as give the impression they were saying one thing when, in fact, they were saying another, or what is just as bad, the politician’s art of speaking what sounds to the inattentive ear to be wise and intelligent, but is truly nothing at all. I recall sitting in his living room sometime in the mid-70’s (making me around 20) and Ted Kennedy was on the TV saying something. He went on for about two minutes weaving a nearly indecipherable “sentence” of wandering dependent clauses and phrases flavored with the popular buzz-words of the day. I listened carefully trying to understand what he was saying. When he got done, I looked at my dad and asked, “Did he say anything?” He pursed his lips, shook his head, and said, “No.”
One thing politicians understand is the way that words can convey both meaning and emotion and the fact that people are much more easily persuaded by emotion than meaning.
So here we are, two months past election day in what is supposed to be the freest nation on earth, and there is not a single person who knows for sure who won. Virtually everyone believes that one or the other has won; but nobody truly knows.
No matter your politics, I truly appreciate your love of words and the importance of using them correctly. I do not fear truth even when it proves that I have been wrong, for truth always tends to freedom. But what is presently plaguing our nation is facts put together in such a way as to tell lies.
I agree- we have a huge truth problem, and it is difficult to discern facts from fiction that supports our beliefs. We must remain vigilant and skeptical, and Facebook is no place to get accurate information. I prefer to get my news directly from various news outlets that range from conservative to liberal- a sad statement since journalism is supposed to be objective. I must respectfully disagree with your statement, “there is not a single person who knows for sure who won.” I, for one, believe we have a clear outcome from a democratic process, despite claims to the contrary that have been thrown out by numerous reputable officials from both sides of the aisle. I pray moving forward that Americans will take more interest in the democratic process and do more to ensure its existence. It is not something we can take for granted.
I see that armed thugs turned up at a Florida voting station in an attempt to intimidate votes. I’ve seen reports of it happening in other states as well.
I’m glad I live in Australia where the only extraneous things at voting areas are sausage sizzles and cake stalls.
🙁 I don’t know what I feel more- disturbed, disheartened, angry. Enjoy your cake stalls, and depending on how November goes, I might ask you some serious questions about living in Australia!
Good read and so important to vote. My husband and I voted absentee ballot but we hand delivered to registrar’s office. Wanted to be sure it got there!
Excellent Clayta! Thanks for reading and voting! 😉