Sitting in the newsroom tonight, the entire place is buzzing with reporters talking to politicians winning and losing their elected posts in Western Washington.
But after looking at the totals, not too many people out here performed their civic duty and voted — less than 25 percent, most absentee.
In Washington state, there wasn't any hot button issue to draw interest and locally, the school board is always a hot area of debate and bickering.
But what about you, out there in cyberspace? Did you go out, regardless of what was on the ballot, and vote? There isn't a lot of people out here who can say that. Hey, even everyone in this newsroom voted — all absentee.
What about you? Did you vote?
You should have.
I can break out the usual — many people died to give you the right to vote — or the ever popular — If you don't vote, you have no right to complain. Well, I voted and I'm going to complain that there wasn't more like me out there.
With Motor Voter procedures, easier absentee regulations and a gluttony of information on television, radio and on the Web, there shouldn't really be a reason not to. The 2000 Presidential Race is a good example, unless you were in Florida. (Damn hanging chads...)
Regardless of your party affiliation, your beliefs, convictions and wacky ideas, there's someone out there with similar tastes who is looking for your vote. Let them have it. If they lose, so what! Do it again next time...
I have a friend who never voted until just recently. She was waiting for someone who was worthy of her vote. Hey, that's cool. I always teased her about it. Now, she's voting. She voted during the California recall fiasco — Gallagher — as an Independent. But I know there is more out there like her, waiting for the right person. You may never find that one politician... get out there anyway.
But now it is too late. It'll be wait until next year... or whenever a school bond needs approval or municipal M&O levy comes up.
Do your civic duty... vote.