Editorial
Editorial
Top Ten Reasons to Vote
10.
You get the right to complain in the face of all those self-righteous
folks who say "If you didn't vote, don't complain." And, well-meaning
though they are, aren't they just a bit insufferable? After you've voted,
you get to complain all you want about what terrible things the government
is doing or what obviously terrific things it's not.
9. It doesn't cost anything and it feels good. And when
you feel good, you look good, so after voting, you'll look fabulous, baby!
8. You can wear all your Pride-Wear to the polls to enliven
the wait. Or better yet, go in drag and loudly announce your name to the
clerk.
7. It's less painful than a tattoo or a piercing. Not
only is voting painless, so is registering (see #4). You do, however,
have to remember your name.
6. The more of us the marryer. If you want equality,
ya gotta vote for people who are willing to fight for it.
5. Remember Florida. The election that wasn't can't happen
again if everyone eligible registers and votes. Then again, it has been
suggested that international observers be employed to ensure fairness.
Much easier if we do it ourselves.
4. It'll shock your parents - and your friends. Especially
when you drag them down to the polls with you - after getting them registered,
of course. And you can register at your town hall or at R.U.1.2? Queer
Community Center or at a table on Church St. in Burlington most Saturdays,
or by any Justice of the Peace or Notary Public.
3. Lawrence v. Texas. It's about privacy and equality,
and whether the next U.S. Supreme Court vacancy goes to a Scalia or Thomas
clone or someone less ... homophobic? Rigid? Someone who will consider
the case against DOMA on its merits.
2. State judicial retention. Guess who gets to decide
whether the state Supreme Court Justices who brought Vermont civil unions
keep their jobs? You do! Or at least, anyone who votes for state Representatives
does. They'll hold the hearings and cast the votes.
1. Use it or lose it. What would happen if the Administration
decided to "postpone" the election (that's not paranoia, the
plan was floated this summer as a possible response to a "terrorist
act") and we all went to vote anyway? Last day to register to vote
in the September 14 primary is September 7, the day after Labor Day. There's
a primary race among the Democrats for Lieutenant Governor between two
experienced, smart, great women candidates. Three Republicans, one of
whom identifies as a transwoman, are vying for the right to oppose the
re-election of Vermont Attorney General William Sorrell. Pick Your Choice!
Your Vote Is Your Voice! Last day to register for the November election
is October 25.
You can actually vote early, up to
30 days before the primary or general election day by asking for an early
voter ballot at the town clerk's office and either voting there on the
spot or taking the ballot home and mailing it in or returning it in person
before election day. You can vote in the primary RIGHT NOW!
Vote as if your life,
your health,
and your future
depended on it –
they do!
Euan Bear
Editor