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July 06, 2007

K8T Asks: What would you say to someone who doesn't think her vote counts?

Kate wants to hear from you! To get your own voice heard on the first K8T Asks question, simply hit the Comment link below and tell us what you think. No registration is necessary, and you can post anonymously if you want. And now, here's Kate's question:

What would you say to someone who doesn't think her vote counts?

Posted by admin at 12:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (18)

Comments

It is true that every vote may not be the “deciding” vote, but every vote does count. Those that vote and the choices that they make are tracked and analyzed. Not only does this show the demographics of who voted, it indicates what issues are important to them on every level. It is not a perfect system, but if you want to have a voice and make a difference – you need to vote.

Posted by: Alicia D. | July 6, 2007 01:08 PM

I would say that I understand that citizens get discouraged about the apparent results of their voting efforts. However, I would suggest that all the results are not visible in the outcome of any given election. The consciousness behind the vote is extremely important and part of a much bigger picture that propels us forward in our journey as human beings.

It is often stated that voting is a “privilege” or that it is a “right”. It is easy to understand why that is proffered when one looks at other countries in which inhabitants are not allowed to participate in the governing policies or in the process of choosing leadership. But having a “right” or having a “privilege” would not mean much if it were not utilized in an informed way. In other words, knowledge is power…and, that includes the knowledge of our history as women and the effort it took on the part of several, very brave women, who fought for their (& our) right to vote in a country that undervalued the importance of women and their intelligence. Having that information, fully understanding it & choosing to opt out is an entirely different issue in my mind than opting out just because one is disillusioned and ignorant. Many people need a “breather” once in a while to regain his or her perspective. However, as women and as bodies occupying space on this planet, we have a responsibility to be educated & informed, to seek the highest manifestation that we are capable of...for ourselves and for each other.

Our freedom is comprised of many things, not the least of which are knowledge and compassion. Sometimes our responsibility is helping other people learn and understand their responsibility, helping them jettison out of their disillusionment. It might be as simple as just listening to them and letting them vent their frustration…giving them the “ear” they feel they don’t have in Washington.

Posted by: Karen | July 6, 2007 10:35 PM

"only if you plan to vote republican"

Posted by: tom heald | July 7, 2007 12:44 AM

That voting is the one place with a level playing field.
And the only way her vote would not count is if she did not vote so she could be counted.

Posted by: Anonymous | July 7, 2007 03:44 PM

When did we all get such a defeatist attitude? Voting is our only truly democratic way of making our opinion stand out in importance. One vote may not seem like a lot, but it is the only way the government will start taking notice of our concerns instead of paying attention only to the "normal", rich Americans' opinion that the politicians usually pay attention to. Voting doesn't have to be such a loathed and difficult task. Just try it and see what happens.

Posted by: Erin Rehmann | July 8, 2007 05:15 PM

I am one of those people. Ashamed to say it.

Posted by: dj lavell | July 8, 2007 07:23 PM

I used to not vote...but then I read a biography of Susan B. Anthony. I vote for her; it may or may not count, the candidates might not be worth it, the government inept and corrupt but her unwavering dedication to the cause of women's equality is my inspiration. We should all vote as a tribute to her.

Posted by: Patty | July 9, 2007 12:33 PM

I would say; Honey thats what america is founded on.
Make your voice heard! If one rotten apple can change all the apples in a barrel, you too can change the opinion of a bunch of peoples.. Keep on it Kate!

Posted by: erin | July 9, 2007 01:17 PM

refer to the past two election results

Posted by: Pat Gaskill | July 9, 2007 02:59 PM

I vote for a couple of reasons. One, I don't feel comfortable complaining if I didn't participate in the process and I always want to feel comfortable complaining about anything. Two, it's embarrassing to say that you don't vote. It's like saying, "I don't recycle. I don't like puppies." Some things you just don't want to admit to...

Posted by: Stephanie | July 9, 2007 04:09 PM

As someone who lives in Florida, things would be very different if the margin during the 2000 election had not been so close. Like it or not things will only change for our community by changing the minds and hearts of our elected officials and by electing people who believe in rights for all humans and not just some of them.

Posted by: Edie | July 9, 2007 07:39 PM

I would add that we are only important and count until we vote. Then the politicians do what they want anyway. For gays and lesbians, the minority, all of this leads to a big nothing. I don't see how our minority votes count.

Posted by: Pat | July 10, 2007 07:56 PM

One more thing too. We can't ignore how foriegn lands drive our politics. 9-11 being the prime example of how Osama enriched himself at America's expense. Let's be honest; this action didn't hurt Bush's presidency, and may have served to extend his reign another 4 years. So not only are we contending with the American majority, but also foriegn lands.

Posted by: Pat | July 12, 2007 09:47 AM

You get what you DON'T vote for!

Posted by: Drew | July 27, 2007 07:07 PM

What if everyone thought their vote didn't count?

Then I would say go directly to your video store or your online que and rent "Iron Jawed Angels" with Hillary Swank. EVERY woman should watch this movie. After you see it, you'll think twice about not voting.

Posted by: Liz | July 28, 2007 12:27 AM

I would tell her that women starved and died for her to be able to even have a chance to vote. I would also tell her that Karl Rove would be proud of her because she shows that his propaganda is working as would the evangelical Christians since they dont want her to vote anyway.

Posted by: Kathy Shrum | August 4, 2007 12:21 PM

I would agree with those saying everyone should view Iron Jawed Angels and then realize how important it is to vote and all the women before us struggled to gain. If i don't vote, i feel i can't complain...i am part of the problem not the solution. the pendulum has to begin to swing the other way soon.

Posted by: Kim Davis | August 9, 2007 04:30 PM

I'd say You're quite right, it doesnt count. National presidential election decided by 5 judges and our only 2 parties system maintains the status quo w. 95% of the wealth controlled by 5% of the pop., but vote anyway. On local issues with smaller poll pot (pun intended) your vote can make a difference.

Posted by: rc | October 4, 2007 08:06 PM

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