Make Your Vote Count
You may have noticed that the US is full swing into presidential and other national and local elections. It’s almost possible not to notice. Between radio spots, campaign funding requests, and tacky signs everywhere, it’s hard to ignore.
On top of traditional marketing and campaigning, everyone has a voice on Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites too. Because we are less passive online than in person, we tend to be more vocal than we normally would be. When I think of my very best friendships, before Facebook existed, I rarely remember a conversation about politics. It never came up. I liked that.
I understand that voting is important and we are fortunate to have an election process in the United States, but when you think about what is really meaningful in life, politics doesn’t even make the list for most of us. Regardless of who is elected, or not, I’ll still continue to downsize, enjoy quiet mornings on the yoga mat, hike with my husband on the weekends and look forward to hearing about my daughter’s day each evening. I’ll still write with my girlfriends, cuddle my dog and revel in the smell of slow roasted red peppers on pizza night.
I’ve already cast my vote in the elections, but compared to everything else that I vote for in life, it won’t matter much.
If you want your vote to count, to really matter:
- Vote for your health by eating good food, mostly plants.
- Vote for your community by volunteering with local organizations.
- Vote to feed hungry people by giving freely.
- Vote for your friendships by saying “I’m sorry” and “I love you”.
- Vote for your happiness by taking a walk.
- Vote for your children by listening to them.
Your health and happiness is not dependent on who will be sitting in the Oval Office. Policy may change, but you will be ok. Vote with your dollars. Vote with your time. Vote with your heart. Make it count.
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P.S.
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Wow Courtney. I agree whole-heartedly. So many people spout political ideas and philosophy, but it is our day to day actions that matter most. EVERYTHING you do matters. Wonderful post.
Thank you,
Dan
Thanks Dan!
Courtney, I understand your point, and we should certainly take the actions that you describe, but for many people, the election does matter a lot in terms of their day to day lives. Think about the experiences of those serving in our armed forces, or people who rely on government programs of all kinds (everything from student loans to food assistance to agricultural subsidies). Yes, for many of us, myself included, the person in the Oval Office doesn’t make a huge difference in our everyday experience, but there are many of our fellow Americans who are greatly affected based on who is elected President, and the makeup of Congress.
Hi Meredith, Great point.
I guess my message is that “for most people” being more impassioned about politics than family, friends, and health doesn’t make sense. So yes, take care, be informed, and vote but take as much care or more with the things that matter most.
I don’t think it’s that “most people” are interested in politics more than their loved ones or community; we’re passionate about issues impacting our lives, and I’m grateful for the people who advocate for candidates who will represent issues and values that matter to me and impact my daily life.
I love your advice to focus efforts locally, to “vote” in our own lives and community. Those votes count. But am so disheartened by the comment conversation themes of “see, it doesn’t impact me on a day to day basis,” or heaven forbid, those saying they’d rather “rebel” and note vote at all.
Many of our “simple life” paradigms–such as quitting corporate jobs, refocusing on more humane and/or less lucrative ways to make a living–are, ironically, luxuries that rely heavily on issues of economic health and fairness, health insurance, access to affordable services.
+1
+ 1 more!
The voting process is important, but once it’s done, it’s pretty much done for four years. We are stuck with what we get…But in the everyday living, your points are so much more poignant those are things we have so much more control over.
Agreed Lisa. There is too much hype and drama compared to the actual results.
I’m a sixteen year old girl and I discuss politics quite often with my friends. I am very concerned about my country, The Netherlands. Maybe it is because my country is tiny compared to the USA, or because drama/ridiculing political opponents is less frequent here than it is in America, but I don’t feel the way you do about expressing one’s views on politics. We’ve had elections a month ago and today the new administration officially released an overview of their plans for the next 4 years. Even though the government’s plans on making studying at universities more expensive are not to my advantage, I’m happy because the new plans are more tolerant towards, for example, children of asylum seekers and gay/lesbian people. Justice is one of my priorities. That’s why I follow politics. If I feel certain minorities aren’t treated fair, I want to speak up for them. Twitter, Facebook and talking to my friends are my only way to do so.
Of course – my friends and family and the things I like to do are so much more important to me than elections, but I think it’s good that many people are involved in politics.
I agree with you Mirthe and commend your interests at such a young age. In response to your last sentence, I would reply that it is good to be interested and involved, but many cross the line to obsessed.
Mirthe,
I could not agree with you more! While I see Courtney’s point, I feel too many Americans are apathetic about the whole political process in our country and because of that, don’t spend the necessary time understanding what really is going on, here and abroad. As a foreign exchange student in Denmark over 30 years ago, one of the most lasting impressions made on me was how young people like yourself cared about the political process, understood their government, and participated. Perhaps that is why so many European cities recently made it into the top cities in the world to live in, while the only American city, New York City, made it into the top 69, but no where near the top 10. A sad commentary, indeed.
You are wise beyond your years Mirthe; keep up the good work!
Heather
Good for you, Mirthe! I wish more of our young people were as politically aware as you. Many young people – and others as well – vote based on what they see and hear every night on comedy shows. They even admit that is where they get their “news”.
It’s been a depressing campaign year to say the very least and I’m left feeling like there is no one good to vote for. Yes it does make a difference when we vote, however there are very unsettling things that make our votes not count. Take the electoral voting system we are forced to be in. I live in Hawaii, by the time my vote goes in, the electoral vote has already decided.
The voting system you write about…. it brightens my day and gives me hope that these are the things I CAN sign up for and cast my vote for daily.
Mahalo
Thanks Jt, I’m glad you understand the heart of the post.
My gay friends’ right to marry? My right to a safe abortion? FDA rules and regulations that keep my food safe (or not)? It matters.
All very important issues to consider but choosing politics over relationships and your own health care won’t change those things.
Choosing to politically participate and advocate for ourselves and the vulnerable members of our society absolutely changes these things. We advocate–or vote–in many ways, but why perpetuate this “either or” idea of politics or your own life? Seriously, I don’t know anyone who is so “obsessed” with politics that it’s at the expense of their own health or relationships.
Hi Courtney,
I too will vote, but I agree wholeheartedly that we should be “voting” for what matters in our daily lives and how we go about our relationships with ourselves and the world. Taking care of ourselves through healthy eating and exercise will enable us to be pleasant and be present. I fear that many people getting caught up in the hooplah and spouting off and don’t take care of the things that truly matter.
Very timely post! Thank you!
Thanks Tammy. That was the point I was trying to get across. It’s not that there aren’t some very real issues out there to be concerned about, but why can’t we give the same investment to our own lives and communities?
I think there’s a very, very long distance between saying “all very important issues… but [don't choose] politics over relationships and your own health care” and saying “your vote doesn’t count” and politics should “never come up.”
I care deeply and passionately about my brother’s right to get married, just like I could. I care about equal pay for women. I care about health care reform, and I care about whether or not we’re going to start another war in Iran. I care that after Republicans took over my state legislature in 2010 my children’s schools had to cut back on art and music. These are not distant policy outside the course of my daily life, these are matters of liberty and happiness that _directly_ affect me and the people I love.
_Obviously_ it would be silly to focus so much energy on politics that you left your own life in shambles, but that’s a straw man. People I know who are politically energetic tend also to be people who put their convictions to work in the rest of their lives.
Thanks for your thoughtful response Dan. Glad you have positive people in your life that are committed to their convictions year round and in their day to day life. It seems to me that the “game” of politics, especially around election time is a big distraction to the real issues.
I guess I should have been more clear in that I do talk about issues that are important with friends and family especially some that you mentioned, but we don’t talk politics much. There is also a big stretch between sharing a political message online and talking with friends over dinner.
I like the change you made to the title of the post. It seems to be more in line with your intentions, as represented in the comments. The negativity of the original title seemed, to me, to overshadow some of the rest of what you were saying.
Agreed Dan. More on why I changed the title here: http://bitly.com/UdmszF
I understand what you are saying, but votes do change our lives. Perhaps they don’t change them as quickly as the things you list can, but they do change them. Consider all the mend and women who worked so hard to give women the right to vote in the U.S. They knew they were fighting for a right that mattered.
Agreed Rachel. I guess what I am suggesting is that we put at least as much energy and commitment and conviction into the day to day things as we do the election.
I’m really appreciating your great feedback through comments and email, and just hope that you understand the spirit of this post. I’m not telling you to skip voting or that elections aren’t important but suggesting that:
• there are more important things that you may be overlooking
• you can’t care once every four years and expect that things will change for you
• there are things you can do to support the issues you care about all year long
• relationships come first
• give at least the same energy, time, conviction to your life everyday that you do the election process
I just want to say that I do understand what you’re saying, and I really envy your ability to detach from it all. My problem is that I just get so mad… it all pushes my emotional buttons, and it’s really hard for me not to take it personally. On some level I know that political campaigns are designed to push emotional buttons, and I’m a fool for falling for it – I’d be much better served by spending that energy dealing with my own emotional baggage. I just haven’t figured out how to make that happen.
• you can’t care once every four years and expect that things will change for you
Perfect, Courtney! I’ll be casting my ballot next week, but both before and after the election, I do the things that matter to me and my community.
I have very mixed feelings about this post. On the one hand, I have worked hard to insulate myself against stupid decisions made from on high, so I feel that I am fairly safe, but I also know that I’m just one illness or car accident away from having it all impact me in a very direct way.
CatMan, my life partner, has been turned down for health insurance numerous times because of a pre-existing condition. It’s a very precarious situation for us. I have many, MANY friends who have no health insurance because they are self employed and have pre-existing conditions. How many banjo players do you know who can afford $1200/month for a premium that excludes your current illness? I’ve watched people I cared about die because they didn’t have access to health care – and that’s not hyperbole. There are people in my life who are literally hanging on by a thread waiting for the new law to take hold. If the Republicans take power and repeal it, as they have vowed to do, what will become of them?
And what about the people who have to “volunteer” for the military because they have no other options, and the rights of my gay and lesbian friends, and what about my rights to birth control, or heaven forbid if I ever needed an abortion? And what about all of the people in dire financial straights because of the mortgage crisis caused by Wall St. deregulation? And what of people working in various non-profits who will have their funding slashed if the Republicans take hold? I’ve been there… I know what it’s like – public funding can mean the difference between having to work 50 hours per week or 80. And what about Medicare & Social Security? What will happen to me if those programs are slashed like the Republicans what to do? How will I possibly make up the financial difference?
Part of me just wants to be able to wrap myself up in my own little life and not worry about it, but I can’t help but feel that my own little life is only safe because I’ve been very careful and very, very lucky. I guess that on some level I think that the whole “it doesn’t effect me personally” argument only applies to people who have the luxury of being healthy, wealthy, young, straight, white, male & Christian.
I agree with you 100%, EcoCatLady. One one side I completely agree with Courtney’s point about voting for our health, friendships etc in our everyday lives. But if people always considered their everyday lives only, in my country (Norway) women today would not be allowed to vote, inherit as much as their brothers, have access to higher education, be protected by law against their husbands beating them (not at all saying that all husbands are/were violent though), and jews would be banned from entering the country. I’m guessing that much the same goes for USA aswell, with the obvious, horrible and humiliating addition that black americans would still be slaves. And I for one can’t think of anything that impacts a person’s health, happiness and everyday life more than their freedom. Acces to decent health care (including birth control and safe abortion if necessary), the right to marry and equal pay are pretty darn high on my list too.
I agree that it’s not enjoyable or even neccessary to talk about politics all the time, or even that often, with our friends and family. I certainly don’t at all. But I still think it is of utmost importance that those of us that have children teach them that these things do matter.
I really like this blog, and it sure seems to me like Courtney Carver is the kind of person that cares about these things. But I also find it really upsetting when people don’t seem to understand just how important politics can be for a person’s everyday life and health. I know that I’m kind of repeating myself here, but those of us that are lucky enough to have health care should acknowledge the importance of this in other people’s lives too – and therefore see how important politics can be. I for one was a young student when I got pretty serious health issues a couple of years ago – thank goodness my country gave me access to medical help.
Maria
I realize that Courtney didn’t at all say that we shouldn’t vote or only care about our everyday lives. My point is just that politics often impact our everyday lives, our health and freedom in very serious ways. Or at least the everyday lives, health and freedom of many of our fellow citizens. Maybe I should have just written this, to keep it short and sweet. I hope I didn’t come across as offensive to anyone.
Maria – I spent a year living in Norway as an exchange student, and I think that my views are really colored by that experience. I only got sick once during that year, and when I did, I just got to go see a doctor – no money, no crazy forms to fill out, no hoops to jump through – ever since, I have felt like the US health care system is barbaric.
I also found that young people in Norway were WAY more informed, educated and engaged than kids in my own country. This was ages ago (1986) but I was shocked and horrified to discover that the Norwegians knew more about my country’s history and political system than I did! I was there during Chernobyl, and during the US attack on Lybia, and it was really amazing to be surrounded by classmates who not only knew what was going on, but had educated and informed opinions on it all – as opposed to my friends back home who were oblivious to world events, and only seemed concerned about shopping, clothes and who was the most “popular.”
I also didn’t observe the same sort of vitriol and divisiveness in Norway that always surrounds US politics. I’m sure y’all have your own “issues” but it just seemed to me that people really wanted what was best for the country more than they wanted to “take sides.” Perhaps it’s the 2 party system here, perhaps it’s the fact that the Norwegian population is more homogeneous, maybe it’s the educational system, or the culture… I don’t know. But I sure wish we could find a way to incorporate some of what I experienced when I was there.
Hilsen og stor klem,
Cat
Takk, så hyggelig EcoCatLady!
What a coincidence!
Norway is certainly not perfect in any way, and that includes the health care system (as I experienced myself). But at least it’s there and accessible and practically free for everyone no matter what. And debates can get pretty heated, and there are idiots here as there are everywhere. But generally, no norwegian (or european I think) can understand why a lot of americans would actually vote for a candidate that doesn’t want everyone to have access to health care. It’s just incomprehensible to us. And a lot of people are poorly informed here aswell, as am I in a lot of issues. But I think people still have some sort of idea that there are things going on outside their own little world. Norwegian kids generally suck at math but are more skilled in english and social science related issues. Sadly, in a lot of ways I think Norway is moving more in the right wing direction. I might just be paranoid though (let’s hope so!).
I love your blog by the way, I recently discovered it. Perhaps I’ll make myself visible over there.
Your pictures are hilarious, they crack me up!
Nice “talking” to you!
Stor klem fra Maria
I agree to a point with every one’s opinions in their comments. But there is another way to look at it. I have decided to focus more on my local community than the national elections. My vote has never made much of a difference, and in some ways I wonder what would happen if everyone refused to vote just once, boycott the system.
Thomas Jefferson said: Every generation needs a revolution. The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions that I wish it to be always kept alive And: Whenever the people are well informed, they can be trusted with their own government.
When was the last time we revolted against the government to get our point across, the last time was through an election and we only ended up with more of the same. As for the spirit of resistance, thanks to the Patriot act we can be arrested for speaking out against the government. Our rights of due process, freedom of speech, and right to a lawyer have been taken away from us if we are called a terrorist for voicing dissent to the government. And can we say we are informed? I think today, that we are more involved than past generations, they didn’t question things the way we do now, but with all the double speak from our politicians how do you know do what we are voting for with every vote we make?
I am sickened the way our government has treated the people they are supposedly entrusted to protect. The power of the lobbyists have prevented the vast majority of what you wish to have. Good health care, marriage rights for everyone, etc.
As for health care. I am fortunate to live in an area with both a dentist and physician who myself and my family have such good relationships with and who are in the business they are because they want to help, that if we are ever without medical care they will accept as payment what ever we say we can afford, knowing we would never abuse that gift. Now that doesn’t mean a hospital stay would not be hard to pay, but if I am careful and take care of my health through good food and such I run less risk of these serious illnesses.
I think what many missed is that Courtney did vote, she was just saying something I’ve said many times, it’s what you do locally that will make the biggest difference in your day to day life.
I just want to say I understand the point of your post. Here in Portugal the political climate is unstable and the government is applying harsh measures every day. Even though I’m concerned about the state of the country, I try to concentrate on the present, and on what I can do each day, and to be grateful for the good things that we still have in our country and communities. But I notice how people I know tend to obsess and be highly negative about it all, and completely forget the great things that their lives still have.
Great post! I wish my dad could read this! Every time we talk on the phone, I have to listen to a 20 minute speech about politics, election, the economy and how much more I should be aware of these topics… he still doesn’t get my lifestyle and doesn’t understand how these things are the least worries (or no worries at all) in my life.
Maybe you can write about how to deal with parents who can’t understand how someone doesn’t care at all who their next president will be, because that would not fulfill my life or change my minimalist lifestyle and make me a happier person.
VERY good post. Thanks for the perspective, Courtney.
Thanks for this post! In place where I live people use to say always how bad it is. When it’s hot – it’s too hot, when it snows – it’s also bad. very politician is bad and it’s the reason why our lives is sad – they think so. And it’s said. Because even politics that changes something for example in our town starts among avarage people and not ‘on the top’.
If you want to change the world, ypu have to start with you!
I’m an expat and it’s my first election out of country (though, I guess I’ll be visiting in November.. is that too late??) and didn’t prepare my absentee ballot. It’s actually the first time I won’t be voting since I got my right to vote (ie. came of age). But I agree wholeheartedly on the intentional things you should do with your lifestyle to ‘make your vote’. I think it’s bottom-up, not top-down that will change the world and as much as I used to get upset over people not exercising their right to vote, i’m growing more disillusioned by politics (+ out of sight, out of mind) and feel getting your ‘voice heard’ by voting is just one of many ways.
I haven’t been on Facebook for about six weeks because my “friends” were getting so political and the atmosphere was hostile (the loudest or most offensive ones think they win, apparently). Yet up till that time, hardly any of them made a peep about anything political. I suppose after the election we’ll all be friends again. Anyway, before the 2008 election this man who’s like a mentor/father to me said, “You can’t change the world but you can change YOUR world.” It has stuck with me all this time.
@Debbie Along the lines of your mentor/father, I think the one sure thing we can change is ourselves. If we all worked on that, I think the potential for a better world is great.
For those that are worried that a misinterpreting the message in this article – I related to it and feel this way: Politics counts; it’s just not what I spend my precious time arguing with someone else about since no matter what/how you feel, there’s someone else that feels differently that wants to put up their fists and argue with you about….that’s just not me….debating on any subject is just not me and I understand there are those that will always have a different view than my own. For me, it’s not up for argument. I choose peace. So to reiterate: “I understand that voting is important and we are fortunate to have an election process in the United States, but when you think about what is really meaningful in life, politics doesn’t even make the list”
For the readers and responders who are possibly misinterpreting the message in this article – I related to it and feel this way: Politics counts; it’s just not what I spend my precious time arguing with someone else about since no matter what/how you feel, there’s someone else that feels differently that wants to put up their fists and argue with you about….that’s just not me….debating on any subject is just not valuable and doesn’t result in the other person changing their view. I understand there are those that will always have a different view than my own. For me, it’s not up for argument. I choose peace and family and love and God. So to reiterate: “I understand that voting is important and we are fortunate to have an election process in the United States, but when you think about what is really meaningful in life, politics doesn’t even make the list”
I wholeheartedly agree. In reality, having lived a very long time, it doesn’t much ‘matter’ who gets elected. Once they are “in” they find out they cannot accomplish half the things they thought they could because they have to deal with Congress. Yes, vote for your community and in the words of a very wise man many years ago: ‘Do not ask what your country can do for you, ask what YOU can do for YOUR country.”
Although I understand the point of the article, I do believe you cast voting in an unfortunate light. Everyone’s vote is extremely important and shouldn’t be diminished by saying “it won’t matter much.” We all ready have a poor voter turnout in this country. What citizens of other countries wouldn’t give to be able to vote! We must never take it for granted. And I also differ with you in that I think the people we vote into office will determine the course our country takes on so many vital issues that most certainly WILL affect your ability to do daily things, or at least do them breathing free and easy. Please remember the sacrifices our forefathers made to give us the right to vote. They made these ultimate sacrifices to improve the quality of their every day life…and ours.
I normally love your articles, Courtney, but this one is too simplistic. Sorry, just being honest. Maybe I feel so strongly because my ancestors fought for the privilege to start a country so the citizens could have a say. Don’t give up everyone…VOTE and be proud of it!
If you want to keep hiking with your husband, voting for candidates and policies that will protect national parks and outdoor spaces is very important to your day-to-day life!
OK… I doubt anyone will see this at this late date, but I just had to pass along this little gem:
http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/region_southeast_valley/gilbert/gilbert-pd-man-run-over-by-wife-for-not-voting
Now THAT’S taking politics a bit too far!