Election Day

With Election Day mere days away and the mudslinging reaching a fever pitch, I have an announcement that I am proud to make: Katrina is going to vote this year!

That might not sound like a big deal, but it will be her first time. Like many people, she just often has trouble picking a candidate who is worthy of her vote. Specifically, there are a few issues that she won't compromise on, and it is nearly impossible to find a major-party candidate who matches each of these views.

I, on the other hand, am quite comfortable voting for the better choice in each race. I grew up a staunch Republican, but my political views have moderated significantly over the last few years. I will be voting a thoroughly split ticket on Tuesday, with Republicans still getting about 2/3 of my votes.

So how am I getting her to go to the polls? I pointed out the issues that are on our ballot here in Ohio. Issues are great, as it's easy to vote yes or no. There's no "lesser of two evils." The issues, and our (I think) mutual opinions on them:

Issue 1. N/A (thrown off ballot by state supreme court)
Issue 2. No (constitutional amendment to increase minimum wage)
Issue 3. No (constitutional amendment allowing limited casino gambling to finance college education)
Issue 4. No ("smoking ban" sponsored by big tobacco that would actually allow more public smoking)
Issue 5. Yes (real smoking ban)
Local Issue 7. Yes (.25 percent sales tax to support local public transportation)

I am really looking forward to actually voting in person for the first time in years. Absentee voting is more convenient and allows lots of time for research, but there's something special about going to the polls and voting in person. Voting absentee was the only option when we were in China, but now our polling place is a five-minute walk away.

I hope you all vote Tuesday, and I hope you all do a little research beforehand so you walk in prepared to make educated choices. Living somewhere that real voting just doesn't happen made me appreciate this opportunity even more.