CNN Politics: I'm voting!

I was just on Facebook and I had came across a like that CNN.com had put up. Its called "I'm voting" and it gives a tally of how many people have promised to vote in the upcoming election. But what it also has is sample questions about what you think are the most important issues in this election.

Example: How does Rep. Paul Ryan make you feel about the GOP ticket? You may answer by clicking More enthusiastic, Less enthusiastic, Doesn't change my opinion. On the side  of the webpage it shows the percentages of each option.  It really is a cool interaction and I will put the link here:

http://apps.facebook.com/cnnimvoting/index.html

But what shocked me was that on the top of the page it says 11, 359 people have pledged top vote in this election.  Um... we have 235,809,266 people of age to vote in the USA. Voter turnout is not something that The United states excels in, at all. In the 2008 election, the voter turn out rate was 57.37%  and in 2004 it was 56.69% so we only went up 0.68% ? So why is voter turnout so low? I say this because in my age group 18-24, we are the least likely to vote, which angers me.

I understand that certain elections seem to encourage the voters and get them out to the polls. For example, in the 2008 election there was an increase in the number of young people and ethnic minorities; but in the 2010 midterm elections, these groups did not turn out in large numbers. When there is a candidate that is seen to a be an outlet of change (Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama) people turnout because they do believe that this candidate will change the country direct ion for the better. Also,  research also has shown that many people believe politicians are corrupt and dishonest, (Those campaign adds don't help)  and there is no difference between them. While this is not always true, the belief that things are not going to change contributes to voter apathy, and keeps voter turnout low.

All I am saying is that we should all at least try to vote. Every election is an important one. You have the right, so use it! who cares if you have to get up early in the morning to get to the polling station, you are on your way to work anyway. It's quick and easy! Come on, we are Americans, we love things quick and easy, like Hotpockets, Netflix, and the always reliable McDonald's

Also, look up some of the issues on the "chopping block". Get to know what is going on in the world, and if it makes you mad, change it. In America, there is NOT enough people speaking out. If you think that marijuana should be legalized( which I do) DO SOMETHING!!! organize rallies, sign petitions, picket! take a page out of the occupy wall street book and MAKE SOME NOISE!!! If you think that abortion should be illegal( which I don't) but of you do, MAKE SOME NOISE!!! 

So do something for the greater good. If we don't challenge our leaders, we have no right to complain about how they lead. In the coming months we are going to hear the phrase "voice your choice" a lot! take this seriously. If you can call in 100 times to vote for the next American Idol. I am sure you can get off your butt and vote for the our next leader! No excuses!

You also have the right to ignore all of the above statements and do nothing! If so, you have no right to complain!