Everything You Need To Know So You Can Practice Safe Voting

What To Expect the First Time

2004-10-15T09:32:00.000-07:00

Straight up, here is what it might be like when you go to vote.

Find Your Poll: Time To Start Dancing!: We think of it as voting, but really it's getting "polled". That's why they call the place we go vote a polling place. A polling place can be any place that is open to the public: a grocery store, a neighbor's garage, a library, maybe the local swimming pool. And the locations can change! You might be able to early vote in one place, but need to vote on election day at another place. Get a map and get thee to a polling place people!

First Impressions: You can recognize a polling place by all the campaign signs placed exactly as close to the door as legally allowed. There might be a line. If you are voting on November 2nd, the best time to avoid a line is between 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM. Voting can take less than 5 minutes (you could wait longer at Burger King). There may also be pollsters (people who want to ask you questions after you vote) and election watchers (fair voting advocates). NO ONE IS ALLOWED TO INTIMIDATE YOU AT THE POLLS. Please talk to the official election supervisor on site or their supervisor etc if you believe anyone is trying to intimidate voters at your polling place. We want everyone to feel safe and free to vote.

When You Walk In: It is normal to feel a little tingly all over the first time. Your hands might sweat. You could have a temporary brain freeze or get unnaturally tongue tied. Not to worry. You are in good hands (we hope). Do not hesitate to get answers to any questions you might have. It's better to know than to say "Doh!". You should expect be asked to produce photo identification by official election workers.

Are you protected? Do you know your rights as a voter? You must be clear on what is allowed and not allowed under the law so you do not have an unwanted voter rejection-experience (VRE). Help spread awareness of preventing VREs to your friends and family by downloading the Voters Bill of Rights for your state where available(rules may vary in some states). A VRE can be devestating to the health of you and your democracy. Let's do everything we can to avoid an VRE.

Methods For Doin 'It: You might be doing it electronically. If you are reading this online, you are capable of using an electronic voting machine. Some places uses scantrons (pencil in the bubble) or lever machines. If you use a method and it does not work for you, you can request another ballot. Just be sure you don't complete before asking for a substitute. It's important to ask for help if you want a re-do.

Rewards for Voting: Are illegal under US law, however, if you are lucky, not only will you have a satisfied smile on your face, but you might just get a cool "I Voted" sticker.

Inner peace is a beautiful thing, so we invite you to Hey You! Haiku! A simple way to stay zen this election season (and win cash prizes).

Seducing Voters: How Not To Be Denied

2004-09-26T21:17:00.000-07:00

We all know a handful of voter hold outs (those who will not even register to vote) and you may well be frustrated in your efforts to be sure that Everybody's Doin' It In '04. There is so much energy and excitement that the grassroots are tingling all over with anticipation to see what will happen. Why anyone who can vote is not stepping up in this historic election is just hard to imagine, but not impossible to cure.

There is nothing more liberating than expressing yourself. However, the voter hold out in your world may not respond to the ideas of duty, democracy, and civic responsibility. They may in fact need to be "massaged" before they are willing to practice safe voting in November. That's ok, because anyone can learn to get the voters they desire with a few simple tools.

You Catch More Voters With Honey:
As in "Hey, honey are you free on Tuesday, November 2nd? I think you and I could make beautiful democracy together. What do you say? Can you schedule in a little afternoon vote?" Lay off the preaching and the pressure and lay on a lot of irresistable charm. If you want your friends to flirt with voting, try flirting with them. Trust me, if they would respond to pressure, they would already be registered.

Don't Neglect the Wallflowers:
Everyone goes after the extroverted hottie, but who is lavishing attention on that sweet, quiet beauty in the corner? A hidden gem of a voter might be right under your nose and you don't even know it. Be sure not to assume everyone has been asked to dance in this election. And be gentle, that wallflower might be quietly hoping no one will ask them to register to vote because they are nervous about the first time. Start with a smile, be patient, and see if you can bring them out of their shell in time for the election.

Be Prepared:
Having an actual voter registration card in your hand or catching that hold out online (where they can access the necessary form) is key to seizing the moment. Stick a few registration cards in your wallet or purse, so when the time is right you will have the tool within your reach. The VoterVirgin Register to Vote link will even print out a postage paid envelope to mail your form in. A prepared motivator is more likely to achieve the desired goal.
*Note: new voters need to include a copy of their ID with the registration form. You can make copies, right?

Keep Your Promises:
If you promise to follow up with a potential voter, do it! The object of your attention may need more information on candidates, polling places, or rules. Never assume they will get this votal information from another source. If you are going to embrace a handful of new voters, you must act responsibly or they will be turned off and your reputation will suffer. Take the VoterVirgin Pledge together and commit to voting together in November.

Advocate Safe Voting Practices:
Being voter-active means acting responsibly, but that does not mean it has to be boring. Safe voting means knowing who you are giving your vote to and knowing how to protect yourself at the polls. Learning how to do this can make you giggle. Check out the VoterVirgin " Everything You Need To Know To Practice Safe Voting" blog and share this with your friends. It will take the mystery out of voting and make you smile at the same time.

If All Else Fails Try the "What If?":
"What if suddenly on November 2nd you really really really want to vote, but you can't because you didn't register?"
"What if between now and the election one of these candidates/issues becomes important to you?"
"What if your grandchildren ask you who you voted for in 2004?"
"What if your mother asks who you voted for?"
"What if that hot crush of yours only dates voters?"
"What if voting is the cure for apathyitis and you miss the election?"

Registration deadlines start as early as October 4th! You might have only a few days left to seduce the potential voter in your community!

So get out there tiger and charm the pants off those voter hold outs!

Willing Partners: Questions About Voluntary Participation

2004-09-14T08:38:00.000-07:00

A few readers have asked about volunteering in the 2004 election. Many people feel compelled to participate at a deeper level in this year's election. Voluntary participation is a beautiful thing. Willing partners in your community have opportunities for you to explore your role in our democracy. Here are a few ways you can join in on the fun:

Campaign Headquarters: Party headquarters and local campaign offices will take you in and put you to work today! You could be making phone calls, sealing envelopes, knocking on doors surrounded by like minded people. Ever wonder what the inner workings of a campaign looks like? This is your foot in the door.

Be Locally Official: You, yes, you (!) can be an offical election polling place worker. Worried about your community being turned away from the polls? What if you were sitting behind the table? Local county officials will train you and put you to work at the polls. See your local county election official for details. Rules vary by state.

An Eye On The Prize: If you prefer to work outside the official system and feel compelled to observe the election, two words: Election Protection.

Mobilize The Masses: If everyone that voted in 2000 took one new voter to the polls, we would have 100% participation. If you register just one person to vote, you are doing your part. Buddy up with some friends and get your vote on. Be sure your friends are prepared to practice safe voting and have some fun getting ready. You can also volunteer to drive voters to the polls on election day (check with the county political party of your choice).

If you are curious about elections and plan to be voter-active, find an evening or a Saturday afternoon and seek out a willing partner in your community. Part of practicing safe voting is knowing who you are giving your vote to. An hour or two licking stamps in the office will give you time to get acquainted in a relaxed environment. If you are seeking a more civic relationship, get thee to the polls and help others avoid that dreaded VRE (Voter Rejection Experience).

Your participation as a responsible voter is key to the health of you and your democracy. And who knows, maybe you will get a cool t-shirt or two out of the deal.

Just The Facts: Sorting Out Your Voter Needs

2004-09-06T01:03:00.000-07:00

Does your heart tell you one thing and your head another? Are you worried you might not choose wisely come November? The fact is eventually you will have your heart broken if you are vote-active. In order to prepare for the emotional consequences big and small, you should ask yourself a few important questions.

What relationships are most important to you? With everything from county judges to the president, you are being asked to cast your precious vote by a lot of people, maybe some you know better than others. Who do you need to research to feel more confident? Will you be voting straight party or getting more personal in November? Is there a bond issue you want to explore? Now is the time to figure out what makes you passionate and is most likely to make you smile the day after.

What needs do you expect a candidate to meet? Make a list of your top ten personal concerns. Then go over to SelectSmart and see how it all adds up.

Are you protected? Do you know your rights as a voter? You must be clear on what is allowed and not allowed under the law so you do not have an unwanted voter rejection-experience (VRE). Help spread awareness of preventing VREs to your friends and family by downloading the Voters Bill of Rights for your state where available(rules may vary in some states). A VRE can be devestating to the health of you and your democracy.

Is you candidates reputation unfair? I mean, come on, public figures are subject to a lot of gossip, especially when they are vying for your vote. Good thing we have Fact Check.

Can you support your candidates position? Would you take your candidate home to meet the folks? Check out you favorite's platform before you dive into vote. You don't want to wake up on November 3rd and discover you have very different core values. Radio clip info version for all you audiophiles here.

Do you need to talk about this more? There are a wide range of forums available where you can discuss your passions, ask questions, and listen to others. We recommend the Speak Up channel over at bolt.com . Leave a comment here and let us know your favorite forum for chatting up before the big event.

The important thing is that you feel prepared and comfortable before you go out into the world to vote. Ask questions now to avoid regrets later. Voting is a natural, human behavior that makes it fun to be an adult. The more you know, the more confident you will be when the time comes. And be sure all your friends are practicing safe voting as well!

Don't be shy! If you have a question, the VoterVirgin blog team deliver an answer before November 2nd.....

Absentee Voting Alert!

2004-08-26T13:07:00.000-07:00

Deadlines to apply for an absentee ballot are coming up quickly!
(As early as September 2nd: aka next week, slacker!)

Why might you want an absentee ballot?

Worried about having your vote counted? Absentee ballots do provide a paper receipt in the case of a recount. That is, if you get it in the mail on time, etc.

Maybe you are away from your home district and want your vote to count where your heart is. In most cases, you are allowed the choice between residence (but you have to choose).

Maybe you are really busy and know you will not make it to the polls, or you want time to sit with the ballot at home. Maybe it's a physical challenge to go vote.

In most states you do not need a reason to receive an absentee ballot.

How do you get your absentee ballot?

You need to check your state's rules to be sure you qualify and then apply for an absentee ballot.

Check out our previous post "How To Vote Like A Rock Star" for instructions.

If this is your preferred method of voting, you must take responsibility for your actions ASAP and get on it already. Absentee voting is not for everyone. It takes a lot of attention to detail if this is how you choose to participate in your democracy. But once you have done it, it's like riding a bike.

Please let us know if you have more specific questions. We will do our best to sort through the red tape and get you a straight answer.

next post: Just The Facts: Sorting Out Your Voter Needs

Get Thee To A Polling Place

2004-08-21T11:09:00.000-07:00

Contrary to urban legend, a polling place is not where strippers dance during the elections, though that might increase turnout (of both supporters and protesters). Your polling place is your special place to cast that ballot. It could be almost anywhere: in a church or school or a neighbor's garage or a roller rink or at the skate park (I wish). The important thing is knowing where to go when it's time to vote.

How to figure out where you vote:: If you have received your voter registration card, look for the precint number. States are divided into counties and then precincts. Your precinct has a unique polling place and this is where you will vote.

Lists of polling places are published and posted publicly just before any election. The best place to get the latest information is your local newspaper or your county election official. Most election officials have web sites now where you can be sure you are registered to vote, find your polling place, and get answers to local questions. The easiest way to find your election official is to google: your state+county+election.

Here is the break down of election officials in your state : Your Secretary of State oversees the county level election officials. The county trains election judges and polling place workers* to man the polls. If you go to vote and there is a problem, the election judge should be able to recolve the issue, or they will call the county clerk, who in turn will call the state office, until the issue is resolved.

What you will find when you get to the polling place: When you walk in you will be asked for your voter registration card. First time voters (and in some states) you are required to show a picture id as well. The polling place workers will then verify that you are eligible to vote and then you will usually be required to sign the roster. Your precinct may use any number of machines from pull levers to the controversial electronic machines. People will be on hand to answer any questions you have about how they work. Don't be shy. You want to be sure your chad is not left dangling....

In many states there are primary elections being held over the next month. If you are now registered to vote, go ahead and get your feet wet in the primary. Primary elections are run offs to see which candidates will be on the ballot in November. The League of Women Voters is a good resource for candidate information, but you might need to tap into local party resources for smaller races.

*Note: You, yes you, can be an election judge or polling place worker if you are eligible to vote. It's simple (really) and training is provided by your county election officials. Most positions are paid (how about some cash?) and you can choose how many hours you work. So, how about adding a smiling face to that musty old polling place?

Voter Issue: Should Voting Be Natural?

2004-08-17T09:58:00.000-07:00

Does a voter do it in the woods? Maybe, maybe not, but one thing most Americans agree on is protecting those woods (and the wetlands, and the wildlife, and the air we breathe). The EPA was created by Richard NIxon (a Republican) but 2 out of 3 Americans believe the Democrats do a better job of defending the environment. Whether or not the environment is a top priority is up to you, but really, like Smokey the Bear would say, you and only you can prevent forest fires....

Where do you stand on the earth?

According to the League of Conservation Voters, 82% of Americans said that they worry personally about pollution of drinking water, rivers, lakes and reservoirs. Who wants to put dirty water in their mouth? Eeewwwww.

The Sierra Club compares the records of Bush and Kerry on environmental issues but they are often percieved as "left-leaning" (a lovely fun bunch of creative activists, really) so we thought it only fair to include a conservative counterpoint

As the earth issues continue to spin, you might just want to get scientific about it, check out the Center for International Earth Science Information Network or get literal with at about.com and their helpful environmental library of environmental issues and resources.

Chances are, a lot of voters will be feeling green when they go to vote this fall. It's not easy being green, at least if you are a frog in love with a pig and you have someone's hand stuck up your .....but it should be easy to be informed.

Have a question or a suggestion? Comment below or e-mail info@votervirgin.com

next post: Get thee to the polling place!

Pump Up Your PowerWords

2004-08-11T11:52:00.000-07:00

VoterVirgin encourages you to master your election lingo. Come to terms with your desire to be a political cunning linguist. Practice these *PowerWord* exercises until they roll off your tongue. It's not hard. Really.

Absentee ballot*: A paper ballot issued by the state that you can fill out and mail in. Has the popular benefit of providing a verifiable receipt and increasing voter confidence. Available in most states. See rules that apply. *shaping up to be the hot way to vote this election.

Bond election: Agent 007 never worried about money, but your community gets to vote on how you will invest funds in a bond election. More roads? Improve the schools? You decide.

Election Judge: A volunteer who is trained to oversee polling places on election day. These judges do not have the power to sentence you to prison. You too can be an election judge. Who better to make sure things work smoothly? Also, polling place worker: one who assists voters during the election.

Exit Poll: The voter's opinion after they cast their ballot. Usually captured by pollsters with clipboards outside the polling places. Not an official part of the election and debatably reliable, exit polls are controversial because they seem to influence late Western voters before they vote (time difference/space/tv continuim).

Gubertonorial: Your governor is a guber and everything your governor does is gubertonorial. Mine too.

Incumbent: The candidate up for re-election. The public servant you can hold to their record because they should be serving you already.

Polling place: Where you go to vote. It can be in a school, a church, a grocery store, or even a neighbor's garage. Polling places must be listed by your county and can usually be found in local newspapers or on line. You can recognize a polling place by all the campaign signs placed exactly as close to the door as legally allowed.

Provisional ballot: If you are denied the right to vote, you are allowed to request a provisional ballot that will be counted should you qualify later as a legitimate voter. These are usually paper ballots that are sealed until a final decision is made. Available at a polling place near you as needed.

Safe Voting: A practical method for ensuring a safe, pleasant. voting experience: know your rights, protect yourself, and know who you are voting for. While there is no 100% guarantee that you will not be disappointed, by practicing safe voting you can be sure to reduce any risk of catching a voting transmitted dis-ease.

Curious? Is there an election PowerWord you want to have defined? Go ahead, you know you want to ask........

Rights Worth Fighting For

2004-08-08T23:00:00.000-07:00

The right to vote is worth fighting for. All around the world and throughout history people have fought for democratic representation. Some with wars, some with words, some through protest and hunger strikes. Still today, we have to fight (in one way or another) to ensure that those who are eligible can cast a ballot. Voting Rights advocates are all saying the same thing this year: "Remember 2000". In that spirit we bring you a short, but very important list of ways you can protect the right to vote.

Restore the right to vote for felons who have done the time for the crime. When you lose your right to vote, everyone is sure you know. But can you restore the right to vote? Chances are you know one of the 4.7 million Americans that are denied the right to vote. Check out Right To Vote and find out what is possible in your state.

Know your rights so you cannot be denied at the polls. For instance, if you are in line when the polling place closes, you are still allowed to vote. The NAACP has a great simple list of voter's rights. Know them. Hold them close to your heart. (We'll blog more about this as 11/02 approaches)

If it's a verified paper ballot receipt you want, then get infomed about electronic voting in your community and work toward a transparent election. Groups like Verified Voting are a great place to pitch in and make your voice heard when it comes to protecting the vote.

Would you like to help others protect their right to vote? Check out this really cool project and volunteer to protect the election as an observer.

More of a hands on kind of protector of the vote? Volunteer as an election judge. You've seen the senior citizens behind the table, but do you know if you are eligible to vote, you can be a judge too (and it pays!). All training is provided (and pretty straight forward). The Repubs and the Dems have to provide an equal number of election day judges so be in touch with your county party to sign up or ask your Secretary of State how to get started. We need to see more fresh young faces manning the polls.

Even if you are voting left, you have to know your rights.....

Next post: get thee to the polls

Vote Like A Rock Star

2004-08-04T23:07:00.000-07:00

***UPDATE!! OVERSEAS VOTERS WHO CANNOT ACCESS www.favp.gov SHOULD LOG ON TO www.overseasvote2004.com TO ACCESS THE NECESSARY FORMS. THE US GOVERNMENT HAS FILTERS THAT ARE BLOCKING MANY SERVERS FROM ACCESS TO THE .GOV SITE*************

Absentee voting is both easy to do and a little confusing at the same time (depending on a few factors). VoterVirgin can only make you aware of your options, it is up to you to decide whether or not to choose to use an absentee ballot*.

You will need a computer with a printer and maybe a telephone to get started.

If you live overseas or serve in the military, you have the Federal Voting Assistance Program to help you out, complete with a toll free number for questions. If you are an ex-pat or a soldier, why not get a few fellow Americans together and fill out your forms together?

If you are a college student, please know you have the right to vote in the precinct where you attend school. Spending 9 months a year in a community can give you a lot of reasons to vote at school.

If you choose to request an absentee ballot from your home town, you will have to be in touch with your Secretary of State. In a few states, if you are voting for the first time, you have to vote in person (sorry, we don't make the rules). There are students who are planning to return home to vote in November.

Not a student, but still would like to vote absentee (on paper)? Request the ballot form your Secretary of State. In some states, you don't need any excuse at all, in others, you must be in an industry that demands a lot of your time, elderly, or disabled.

If you think absentee voting is for you, start pursuing this now and be in touch with your Secretary of State or FVAP so your papers will be in order and your precious vote will be counted in November.

*Note: some people are requesting absentee ballots because they do not trust the electronic voting machines to count their vote and want a paper receipt.

Where's Your Head At?

2004-08-04T11:47:00.000-07:00

With all the party (political, that is) spin and the rhetoric and the retorts and the attempts to seduce you, the VoterVirgins, it can be pretty hard to feel sure about your choices and easy to wonder if you are informed enough to practice safe voting.

As Basement Jaxx would say:

Where's your head at?
Where's your head at?
Where's your head at?

You have found yourself
Trapped in this
Incomprehensible maze
Where's your head at?
Where's your head at?

Don't make it easy on yourself
Where's your head at?
Got to get
Got to get
Got to get
Got to get

Where's your head at?

Since the number two excuse for not voting is "I did not know enough to make an informed choice" let's be sure you have resources to answer your questions and make safe choices in November.

VoterVirgin wants to be sure you feel safe enough and informed enough to cast your ballot with confidence. Knowing who you are doing 'it' with is essential to practicing safe voting. Sure, sometimes we discover that we have been misled and lied to. Sometimes a candidate close to our hearts will lose. Knowing that you took the time to choose as wisely as possible will help you deal with the potential ramifications later. Hindsight may be 20/20, but a good hard look before hand can put the issues in focus and help prevent a politically transmitted dis-ease later on.

You might want to explore the issues before you choose a candidate that deserves your first vote. What do you think? Well, that's up to you. If you really want to spend some time exploring issues and opinions, check out Public Agenda when you have some time. This is a fiercely non-partisan resource that let's you choose from a menu of beliefs and then illustrates arguments for and against your choices so you can stand by your choices armed with information.

Most state and local candidate voter's guides will not be published until closer to the election, but politics1 has the most extensive list of presidential candidates and state by state hopefuls I have seen so far this year. Really a non-partisan site, the ads are a bit left leaning, but ignore them and check out groups like the "Personal Choice" party with the gun store owning ex-porn star running for VP. VoterVirgin will be running links to other voter guides in the next 90 days. Who could have imagined that more than two people are running for President this year?

You can always choose to vote "straight party ticket", but please read the party platform if you are going this route. Loyalty is a worthy attribute, but not knowing the agenda of your party is like giving your virtuous vote to someone you barely know. The Democrats, the Green Party, and the Libertarians have already adopted their official platform. The Republicans will formalize the platform at their convention later this month, but you can peek at their agenda now.

Lastly, consider inviting some of your closest friends and trusted adults to talk about who you are going to vote for. Particularly in local elections, they may be able to provide you with inside information that could be valuable as you make these important decisions. Sharing and having a support network will help get you (and your friends) to the polls. Nobody should have to vote the first time without the love and support of their community.

Next post: Vote Like A Rock Star: the ins and outs of absentee voting

Are Your Papers In Order?

2004-08-03T11:46:00.000-07:00

August 1, 2004
Department of VoteLand Security*
United States of America

Dear Citizen,

It has come to our attention that you have registered for the VoterVirgin Class of '04. Since Everybody's Doin' It In '04, we ask for your cooperation to ensure that all new voters are prepared to practice safe voting. The following suggestions from the Office of VoteLand Security are designed to make sure you receive all pertinent information and your papers are in order for the November election.

1. Please add www.votervirgin.com to your e-mail safe list immediately. In order to receive Voteland Security notices about safe voting practices, you must be sure VoterVirgin is not registering as spam or junk on your e-mail filter.

2. If you registered to vote, ask yourself a few questions: Did I receive my voter registration card? Is my name spelled properly and the information up to date? Where did I put that card anyway? Should I keep this in my wallet so I can find it when the time comes?

3. If you have not registered to vote you must do so ASAP. Time is running out! You can find voter registration deadlines by state here. Please be sure your friends are registered as well. You can register to vote here if you have access to a printer. This includes your easy to use postage free handy dandy envelope, so no excuses.

4. Under federal law, college students are legally entitled to vote from their residence at school. The Supreme Court established this right in 1979.

5.If you did not receive your voter registration card, you must check with your county voter registrar because you might need to re-apply (google your county+voter registrar to see if online services are available). Voter id is not required in all states. Check this list to see if you need a voter registration card

6. Always bring a picture id to the polling place when you go to vote. In fact, bring as much id as you can (in case you have the same name as a felon that lives in Florida).

Having your papers in order will ensure a safe and happy experience for all citizens at the polls. The Department of VoteLand Security thank you in advance for being prepared to practice safe voting and reminds you to
Vote No Matter What.

Sincerely,
Undersecretary of Papers In Order
Department of VoteLand Security
United States of America

*Department of VoteLand Security is not associated with any government or the US Department of Homeland Security whatsoever, no way, no how.

VoterVirgin 101

2004-08-02T00:11:00.000-07:00

There are 28 million potential VoterVirgins is the US today (maybe more!) and most of them don't even know thay are VoterVirgins (yet)

VoterVirgin: (noun) One who is qualified to vote but has not yet exercised their right to do so. VoterVirgins come in all colors, shapes, and sizes. What they have in common is being US citizens at least 18 years old.

Also Reinstated VoterVirgin: One who has voted in the past, yet abstained in recent national elections, and wants to reclaim their VoterVirgin-ity.

VoterVirgin is based on the idea that we respect you enough to create a P-free zone: No preaching. No political parties. And no pundits. We believe that you are an adult and capable of making your own wise decisions. VoterVirgin is here to provide information and celebrate your first to vote.

We believe the first time should be special. You should be fully informed and prepared, and we encourage you to "practice safe voting" (know how to protect yourself, know who you are doing 'it' with). There should be no shame in voting for the first time no matter how old you are or how long you have strayed from the polls. While some get out the vote groups use celebrity-power to motivate new voters, VoterVirgin believes YOU are the celebrity in this year's election. This is all about embracing and the creative, passionate, opinionated, diverse people that we are and empowering everyone to vote.

You are a choosing to vote at an exciting time. New voters have the opportunity to swing this election and be a powerful force in the direction of the future. It's not so much what the candidates are saying to you, it's what are you saying to the candidates! Participation could be at an all time high in the 2004 elections. Whether your candidate wins or loses, you will be part of history if you decide to vote in this November.

More to come: Stay tuned, our next post gives you the resources to explore what you believe and how that transforms into an informed vote.