COLUMN: Get informed before you vote
As election day nears, I feel compelled to issue a strong warning to all voters. The warning is thus: This is not a test. You cannot go into it unprepared and blow it thinking you can make up for it with extra credit down the road. Know who you are voting for and be aware that the answer is not always an (R) next to someone’s name.
This may sound out of place coming from a such a strong conservative as myself. I am as concerned about the path our country is on as anyone, but I am also wary of a quick fix and am looking at how this election will affect our chances of electing a Republican president in just two years.
This midterm election cycle has produced some really angry voters who are fed up with the “change” they voted for in 2008, and rightly so. We were promised an end to politics as usual, creation of more jobs, getting our troops out of Iraq, and a surge in the economy. What we got was Chicago-style politics, a rise in unemployment, “peace-keeping” forces remaining in Iraq, and a slow and struggling economy on life support. Angry town hall meetings and boiling-mad Tea Party supporters have produced a huge surge of support for the Republican Party. This, in some cases, has reduced many races to a chest-thumping, flag-waving argument of who loves the Constitution more.
Republicans shouldn’t have any problem regaining power in the House, and while the Senate seems to be a tighter race, it is still within reach. There are several key gubernatorial races that could very likely turn red as well. Election day could produce a new Speaker of the House, Senate Majority Leader and Republican majority in both the House and Senate, leaving one key, slightly overlooked office still controlled by a Democrat – that of the President.
It will be all too easy for President Obama to blame any and all problems, persistent or new, on Republicans in 2012 if this major power shift comes to fruition. A slow economy, unemployment, refusal to work with the President and his policies and large national debt will be dumped by the White House squarely in the laps of Republicans if these things aren’t turned around fast enough. Vice President Biden has already said that unless Republicans win the House, Senate and all key gubernatorial races, that the right wing has failed. However ridiculous this statement may seem now, it could create a swing of support back in the other direction for 2012, just in time get Obama re-elected. The Dems are right – that end result would be a colossal failure.
I strongly believe our nation cannot sustain another four years of Obama’s administration. My urging to all voters is to think long term when casting your ballots. We not only need a sweeping changing of the guard with our elected officials, but we need to change them to people that are qualified and able to effectively implement the principles and strategies they are running on. If you want to elect everyone who calls themselves a Republican because you think they can do a better job than a Democrat, I urge you to think again. The few under-qualified and slightly deranged candidates on the Republican ticket will only hurt the party down the road.
I encourage you to research all candidates that will be appearing on your ballot and decide, based on each candidate’s credentials and ideals, who is most qualified to serve you. If we elect incompetent yahoos to office based solely on the (R) next to their name, we will pay the price by torpedoing a Republican presidential candidate in two years.
Voting on a whim won’t do anything to fix our country, but a careful evaluation of those you are voting for will. The long term repercussions of them being in office and most decisions they make are decided by you. It is your responsibility as a voter to elect capable individuals with integrity.
The state election office even attempts to give us a glimpse at who we are voting for by mailing out a voter information packet. Read it! Know where each candidate stands on the issues that are important to you. Furthermore, know what each amendment or resolution is about on your ballot.
When you step up to the voting machine this November, do so fully prepared to perform your civic duty. By casting your ballot, you are impacting the direction and future of your country on a broad scale for years to come in only a matter of moments. Don’t take your responsibility lightly. We are the people who truly shape our country into what we want it to be. Choose wisely, and be educated Nov. 2.
Renae Cowley is a senior majoring in public relations. She can be reached at renaecowley@gmail.com