A Quick Voting Plug

Vote, Vote, Vote!
Politics.  A sort of a hiss and a by word for many of us.  However, 'tis the season.  No, not quite Christmas yet, but it might feel like some kind of holiday with all the campaign signs and commercials.  That's right, it's midterm elections!  Yay!  While we're not quite at that point when we vote for president or senators in our state yet (we're actually halfway there, thus the phrase midterm elections), there are some cool things happening (I guess depending on which side of the aisle you're sitting on).

However, maybe we feel like we are too unaware of what's going on to really make a wise decision.  Well, that's okay.  A quick Google search about issues concerning Utah (or whatever state you live in) and your particular location could provide some quick overviews.  The same process could provide a quick look at various candidate's websites or campaign materials to learn their platforms.  Hey, a little research never hurt anyone.

As you approach the booths today, keep in mind, you don't need to vote for one specific party exclusively.  Go with you gut.  It's ok.  If you don't know where to go to vote, use this LINK to find the location.  Above all, remember, your vote counts.  Two years ago Mia Love lost a close race to Jim Matheson by only 768 votes out of 250,000 votes cast that is less than half a percent meaning, a few votes one way or the other could make a huge difference.  So, whichever way you lean, get out there and exercise your freedom to vote!

A Couple Reasons to Toss in Your Ballot
Still convinced voting isn't for you?  Well, here are a couple reasons you should consider voting:

For Our Money - You know how you pay taxes on stuff?  Well, many of these people are key players in deciding how a portion of that is going to be used and allocated.  Not to mention how other crucial elements of our society are going to be run and managed.  Our schools, our courtrooms, and our legislature are all among the different entities that we are electing new leaders for.

For Our Voice - Without the public speaking up, and that means all of us, much of what happens on the hill is going to be determined interested parties with money and people who get voted in because we don't know any better.  We need to let those guys and gals up there know where we stand on important issues and make sure they represent our values and goals for the fate of our state and of the nation.

For Our Rights - Above all, these people are also key players in deciding the fate of our liberties and laws.  Remember all the hot button being discussed in the Utah news lately?  Well, if we want a hat in the ring, we better get the people in who we think are going to represent us the best and vote on policies we agree on.

Conclusion
Although you might not be a political junkie (though, if you want to start, there are plenty of places that can help you move in that direction; my personal favorite for Utah is UtahPolicy.com), it is important to be aware of the important decisions being made around us in our state and country.  You might not always see the immediate results of these policies, but you will feel them over time, so why not decide to be a little more informed and a little more concerned?  And how about you start today, with your vote?

Happy voting people!

- Morgan