Trying to Understand the Election Process

I’ve got to admit, this whole election process has me completely confused.  And I really think that the confusion really turns people away from being a part of the process.  When you don’t understand something, the easiest thing to do is to avoid it.

However, in this case, I will not take the easy road.  I need somebody to help me (and the rest of us confused individuals) to understand the election process for Presidential candidates.

Here’s what I think I understand:  The purpose of the primaries and caucuses (which are going on right now) is to choose which candidate will be chosen by the delegates of that state to be the party’s choice during their national convention.  In other words, if Clinton wins New York, the delegates from New York will choose for her to be the Presidential candidate at the Democratic Convention.  Is that correct?

Here’s where I’m a little confused: During the primaries, the “winner” is selected by a popular vote–meaning the person with the most votes wins.  So, mistake me if I’m wrong, but here’s where an individual’s vote DOES COUNT because the person with the most votes wins! At this point in the process, we’re not constrained by the limitations of the electoral college.  Am I accurate?

Can somebody help me understand this part of the process?

Love One Another

I hope you voted this morning.  If not, make sure you do at some point today.

And then tomorrow, I’d like you to continue with your civic duty: I want you to love your neighbor as yourself.

Voting, in my opinion, is a valuable exercise.  It is a opportunity for you, and the rest of your fellow citizens, to have your interests expressed in government.  Essentially, you are making your selection as to who you would like to best represent your interests in political decision-making.  And hopefully, the individual that is elected, properly represents you.

I believe we have a higher calling, though.  I believe we have the civic responsibility to treat our fellow citizens with concern, compassion, and fairness.  We are too quick to point fingers at our politicians, when our own “policies” are not always fair nor just.

For example, we “send aid” to those that we want to, and not always to the ones that need it most.  We provide “tax relief” to our inner circle, not to those struggling financially.  We often “declare war” with motives that self-serving, not for the protection and well-being of a defenseless people.

Don’t just vote.  Live a life–everyday–that includes concern and love for the least of these. 

What do you think?

My Vote Doesn’t Count

Depending on how you feel about the issue, there are all kinds of reasons/excuses that people use to explain why they don’t vote.

• It’s just choosing between the lesser of two evils.
• I don’t know enough about the candidates, and I don’t want to put the wrong person in office.
• My vote doesn’t count anyway!
• I am religious person, and I believe in the separation of church and state.

I’m curious to hear where you stand on the issue.   Is voting a right that all U.S. citizens are obligated to execute?  Or Is it just a futile exercise that has no real bearing on the real outcome of our political system?

Who are You Voting For?

My friend, and former teammate, Tyoka Jackson, sent this to me.

It’s a tool to see which Presidential candidate your views are most closely aligned with.  Let’s use it as a kick-off for a discussion on politics and voting.

Complete the exercise and then come back to leave your comments.  (It’s only 10 questions.)

www.votechooser.com

Thanks,