Election 2008: Don't Forget To Vote In November Your Vote Can Make A Difference

By President Mark Zimmerman

The Democratic and Republican Conventions are over, the candidates are campaigning with renewed vigor and when the votes are counted in November, we will have our next President of the United States. Open any paper, turn on any news program, and the headlines are focused on this heated race.

With all this information, could we have political overload? Could all this coverage confuse us, and take away focus from the real issues we face each day in an uncertain economy? It could. But it shouldn't. So the responsibility to wade through all the hype falls on each of us. This is an important time in America's history, and the vote in November will decide how our country fares for the next four years. Whether you are strong supporters for the Obama-Biden ticket, or solidly behind the McCain-Palin ticket, your vote can make the difference.

The right to vote in American politics has come a long way. It was in 1870 when the 15th Amendment gave voting rights to all men, regardless of race. Women were given the privilege in 1920. Native Americans, in 1924, achieved the privilege and right to vote. Those were all hard-won campaigns to have the right to cast a ballot that would determine our future. The entire structure of our government is based on ordinary citizens voting for representation by electing our political leaders. And yet, some people think of voting as a chore, or don't want to vote because they think their vote doesn't count. Some people don't vote because they don't like either candidate. Yet, voting is one of the most important rights and responsibilities we have as Americans.

I urge you to vote in the November elections. Read those news stories, visit each candidate's website, learn about their positions on issues important to you, and make an informed decision when you cast your vote. Doing a little research will reveal where the candidates' stand on issues like the war; affordable health insurance; rising food costs, housing costs and gas prices; and more importantly what they plan to do to resolve these issues. Decide what matters to you and what matters to the candidates. Then vote for the candidate who best mirrors your own beliefs.

Don't let the opportunity to have your voice heard pass you by. When you cast your vote in November, you will be helping to shape our future rather than let our future shape itself.

Mark Zimmerman, President