Election 2008

If you are tired of the back and forth news detailing whose winning where, fear not for you won't find that here. Yet, if you are one of the many who don't really understand all the ins and outs of primaries, delegates and superdelegates, and question whether or not your vote matters, then read on. After speaking with a student this weekend who truly did not believe their vote was worth the effort, I began to think about how many of us really understand the whole election process. So, I set out to find some clear and concise info that will help you to understand. Here's a couple of sites that I think fit the bill... Elections 101 and Why delegates matter. For a more in depth look at what your vote does, check out Does my vote count? Many question whether their individual vote has an impact, as the true voting in November is based off the electoral college. It is important. Read about the electoral college and you will understand that your vote is what decides their vote. Only once in the last century did the popular vote not reflect the Presidential choice of the people and that was in the 2000 Bush-Gore election. There are more reasons than the people's voice didn't count. Their voice did. It always will. On every level, if you decide not to vote, you are giving up on living in a world where people matter. I know that's a bit drastic, but if we don't believe in ourselves and our power to make a difference in the world around us, then where is the hope for a future? Each and every one of you has the ability to make the world a better place. It's not just about voting in the national elections, but in the student body elections on campus. In being a part of the process, going to meetings, presenting ideas, getting your voice heard. It always matters! So be encouraged, feel the power, go out and change the world. It's yours to change.

For you who are Oregon residents, remember that the Oregon primaries are May 20th.