The First and the Last - Venture into Politics

I have a confession.  I love politics, but not in the way you might imagine.

I love politics because I love the study of government and laws.  It fascinates me to step back and watch politics in action whether it be an election or the ways and means leaders will attempt to pass items through Congress.  The psychology of politics; the study of governments and systems; the language and imagery used to win; and the passion that people invest in a candidate - these are the things I love. 

I don't write or discuss politics often.  Perhaps it is because I live here and well, politics is a way of life.  I am exposed to politics on every level.  Or maybe it is that I like discussing politics from an academic stand point where many enjoy the discussions because they have a passionate opinion one way or the other.  I appreciate this passion and the strength of the conviction that drives it.  That said, I don't talk politics often or outside of an academic conversation.  I don't allow emotion to play into such discussions. 

But of late, the election is what everyone is discussing.  From the dentist office to the internet to the radio and even in my own kitchen, the election and politics are the topic of choice.  It is an interesting election - an election that has lasted so very long and will end with an interesting outcome whichever candidate wins. 

One of my moms friends has decided that she won't vote this year.  She is protesting for her own reasons - reasons which she has a right to have! 

A friend is trying to find the candidate with something, anything, that fits his philosophy.  He wants to vote for someone.  I know others who are voting against one party or the other, not liking either choice really.  They feel that voting for a third party is a "wasted vote" or is "throwing away a vote."

it is this idea that stuck in my mind - this idea that voting for a third party is throwing away a vote.  This simple idea, probably widely held, has me talking about politics on my site.  (Will wonders never cease?)

Are we throwing away a vote or wasting our vote if we vote for a third party candidate?

I suggest that we are not.  Every vote in this country counts.  IN recent elections, we have seen just how important each vote is and that each is counted.  Voting for a third party, does count.  It is not a wasted vote but a vote for someone different.  It is, perhaps, a vote for someone you can like for the office over voting against one person or the other.  perhaps it is a vote in favorite of the electoral system in general but for neither of the dominant candidates.  Perhaps that third party vote says that we value the right to vote but we want the system to change; the candidates to be selected differently.  For some, that third party choice might mean great intellectual integrity.  For others, it is believing in the Republic, the government, and the Constitution.  Voting, regardless of the party we choose, is essential - and what a joy it is to be able to cast your vote for someone you like; someone in whom you truly believe! 

"Who are we voting for?" the Diva is fond of asking lately.  I ask her, in return, who she is voting for as she is old enough to start forming her own opinions.  Her opinions might differ from mine (as do so many others) but the key is that she learn the importance of voting.   

Voting is a right that we enjoy and a right that we need to exercise as often as possible but minimally in the presidential elections.  As I explained to the Diva (who votes with me), what happens in the booth is between the voter and the machine.  No one knows how I vote unless I choose to share that information.  This privacy is something to cherish.  This privacy - this idea of a secret ballot - is something to protect; it makes us different from many other countries. 

The key, perhaps more than for whom we vote, is that we vote.