ATTENTION VOTERS, BE AWARE

I visited the Snopes.com site to verify this information and found it to be rated partially true.  In fact, Snopes’ states that:  “Voting processes vary from region to region, and as far as we know this warning applies only to North Carolina, where straight ticket voting is available for all races except for presidential electors; voters in that state (regardless of party) therefore need to specifically select a presidential candidate in addition to voting a straight ticket.”   http://www.snopes.com/politics/ballot/straightticket.asp

As we get closer and closer to the November elections, there is going to be more and more bits of information and, unfortunately, some misinformation about the candidates, the elections, and the election processes.  This is the reason why, as voters, we have to be as diligent as we’ve ever been.

I spoke with Ms. Gloria Williams, formerly of the City of  Detroit Department of Elections, to get some clarification of the voting process, relative to Detroit, Wayne County, and Michigan.  She was able to verify that the information in the e-mail was not a concern for the voters of this state. A voter that selects a presidential candidate of a party and also selects the straight ticket for that party does not risk voiding their vote.  Also, if a voter selects the straight ticket box, then, that selection will include the top of the ticket, as well.

As the Snopes post states, though, “voting processes vary from region to region,”  It is important that each voter knows the laws in their particular areas.  (City, County and State)  For the voters in my area, here are the departments and their websites where you can get voter and election information:

• City of Detroit, Department of Elections.  For specific information regarding polling locations, voter education, etc. call us at (313) 876-0190.  http://www.detroitmi.gov/DepartmentsandAgencies/DepartmentofElections.aspx
• Wayne County Clerk Election Division.  The information number is (313) 224-5525.   http://waynecounty.com/clerk_elections_info.htm
• State of Michigan, Secretary of State Office.  The information number is (888) 767-6424.  http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,1607,7-127-1633—,00.html

It is every voters responsibility to know the laws for voting in their districts.  We need to know [them] for ourselves.  This election, like the last, is the most important election of our lives.  Each election carries that designation, and each requires the same level of respect.  As we continue in our quest to “form a more perfect union,” our vote, the freedom to choose how we are governed, and by whom, is by far the most important constitutional tool, in our “democratic” tool box.  Don’t let it be silenced, usurped, or otherwise manipulated, by rumor or unverified statements.   Take the time to know for yourself.

Here are a couple of quotations about voting:

• “People often say that, in a democracy, decisions are made by a majority of the people.  Of course, that is not true.  Decisions are made by a majority of those who make themselves heard and who vote – a very different thing.”  This  is quoted from William H Judd, a conservative politician, from a time when conservatism had a much different connotation.
• “In a democracy, people get the government they deserve,”  This quotation is often attributed to Alexis de Toqueville.

These quotations speak volumes, but not more than your votes.  You must know, for yourselves [the] how, when and where, to exercise this right.

AND THEN, GET OUT AND VOTE!!!