I get really excited about election day in a philosophical kind of way (think Federalist Papers and Constitutional convention), but for the last few elections, I've been more apathetic than passionate about the Presidential candidates. This year really isn't an exception; there's not much incentive to run to the polling booths to choose between the lesser of two "evils." Of course I don't disparage those of you who vote enthusiastically or believe in the message of one candidate or another. That said, I do have a preference this election. I think one candidate's economic policy is better for the country, and that is extremely important to me.
One last thing: every election year people say "If you don't vote you can't complain." I don't think that's true and here's why:
"Whether there is a duty to be civically engaged, to act as a good citizen, is a separate question from the issue of voting. But if such a duty exists, there are many ways to perform it, including (perhaps especially) complaining. According to Mankiw’s argument, the ignorant voter is a far less admirable citizen than the serial-letter-writing Tea Partier who can’t be bothered to show up on Election Day. The right to complain is, mercifully, unrelated to any hypothetical duty to vote. It was ensured, instead, by the Founders, all of whom were extraordinary bellyachers themselves."
—REASON mag
Are you voting?
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