Early Elections in Atlanta

I have always thought that politics were meaningless. I guess I was young and naïve a total of three days ago, then. 

I never even noticed the president as a big deal until the debate on October 16th. Personally, before my enlightenment, I thought that kids my age could care less about anything to do with debates or political parties; I was proven wrong when I watched as twitter and facebook blew up with rants and raves over what Romney said or Obama contradicted the night of the first presidential debate. How could something I’m not even supposed to be involved in be such a big deal? Of course there were a few of those kids who commented that politics meant nothing if you couldn’t vote, but the majority were highly involved. So I decided that I should do my part.

Driving home from orchestra rehearsal this Tuesday night my dad asked me if I planned on watching the debate. My immediate repose was no. Gross. My dad then continued to emphasize that I needed to be an active citizen in my community, but I’m only a minor. Why should I be active in a community that I’m not even allowed to participate in? America: I live here-- that’s why. 

Shouldn’t every eligible citizen vote? Shouldn’t every citizen cast their ballot? Shouldn’t everyone get that, “I voted!” Georgia peach sticker? Proclaim to the world that you love your country enough to be involved. Let everyone know that you care enough about America to be concerned about its future. 

If you can’t be in town November 6th, that’s no excuse not to contribute your say. We members of society need to embrace our democratic political structure and take advantage of it. Not many countries have the privilege of any type of say in government, and Americans take it for granted. This year, early voting in Atlanta had: no lines, and no waiting..although there were dozens of folding chairs set up as a waiting area that were not-so-shockingly empty. The point of early voting is to make sure that everyone who is registered to vote is allowed to vote, and that every voice is accounted for. Each county had at least one early-voting site open this year, ready to be utilized by the Georgian public. Last election lines snaked out the doors and lasted for an average total of 5 hours. In 2008, the Georgia government passed a law allowing anyone who wanted to vote before election day to be able to do so. Why the decrease in numbers this year? 

I don’t know if it has been the alarming economy that has discouraged people from voting, or maybe even the voting hours. Either way, voters in the United States--more specifically voters in Atlanta--have an obligation to be involved.

If you’re 18, go vote. If you’re over 18, I hope that this election won’t be the first time that you are exercising your rights. If you’re a minor, watch debates and inform yourself. Americans need to get it together. Our community needs to get it together.  

Come on Atlanta: step your game up.