Not Just a “Difference of Opinion” or “Politics”

When you vote, do not listen to the naysayers. Do not seek the protection of the herd. Vote not just for the candidate you think has the best odds — you’re not playing the ponies, here. Vote for the candidate whose real track record and values best reflect yours.

You can outright lie to the opinion pollsters. So can everyone else. Do your homework; research the candidates. Choose wisely.

Whatever you do, ignore the propaganda. Ignore the easy memes that merely confirm your own feelings and opinions. Look up candidates’ qualifications, voting records, real accomplishments. Judge for yourself, based on solid info. Then vote. Vote your values.

Vote like your future and our kids’ futures depend on it. Your vote matters. If I run an opinion poll and tell you 90% disagree with you, are you less likely to bother voting? That is just propaganda. Ignore it. Your vote won’t count, can’t count, for sure, if you don’t cast it. Vote.

College students: Learn the residency, registration requirements and deadlines, or absentee ballot procedures, of the state and county where you will attend college in the fall — do the research now. Help your friends and fellow students figure it out. Get everyone registered and able to vote. Give an elder a ride to the polling place, come November. Talk to them about…