Be an Action Hero

All you have to do is vote. Voting is action.

I was a legal resident of a country for five years, where my life was affected in every way by its government, politics, and laws, but I could not vote. It was a great lesson for me, having no voting voice and no way to actively express my views or influence the environment that in turn influenced my daily life. I learned that the privilege and responsiblity of voting should never be taken for granted.

If you can't find your voter's registration card, don't let that stop you. If you are a registered voter in the U.S., all you need is to present your driver's license in order to vote.

And, remember, this election (as are all elections) is not about our parties, but our country. Our country which has lost nearly 3,000 soliders in Iraq. Our country which has a deficit of $43 trillion at last count. Our country which is building a wall between us and our neighbor, ally, and second largest trading partner. Our country where tens of thousands remain homeless after two hurricanes that hit more than a year ago. Our country where 44 million people have no health insurance, and little or no access to affordable health care.

Our voting--and our not voting--got us here. Our votes can take us somewhere much, much better. Early voting is going on now. Official election day is Tuesday, November 7th. Be a hero. Put on your Indiana Jones hat and go to the polls.

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Need more information on elections in your state? Go to www.vote-usa.org. This nonprofit, non-partisan web site makes it possible for you to see an exact sample ballot for your local election, linked to statements by the candidates.

Image: French Quarter Restaurant, New Orleans
Text and image, copyright 2006, Ysabel de la Rosa. All rights reserved.