I’d like to talk about something I don’t think I’ve ever talked about here before and that is politics. I know, I know. You’re probably thinking don’t do it, Cathy, don’t do it, but I feel like I need to because this year is possibly the most important election year of my entire lifetime. I promise not to get into specifics because that is definitely something I’m not ready to do here, but I think it’s pretty safe to talk in generalities without getting anyone too upset, right?
This year’s election is important to me for many reasons, but one of the most personal reasons is that it’s my son’s first time voting. He turns 18 in a week and has been looking forward to this November since the beginning of the year. We even caucused (is that a word?) together and not only did it help me learn more about the process, but it also made me feel more involved. As the year has worn on we’ve watched several debates together and read endless news articles, but it’s gotten a bit overwhelming at times. I have a feeling we’re not alone with feeling that way, either, because there is definitely a lot of information from various sources and it’s often tough to know if what you’re reading is reliable or if it’s slanted in one direction or the other. I’ll be honest, I’ll be glad when November comes and goes and we have a new President and can focus on other things like mindless reality television and football season.
If you’re like me you like to try and get your political information from as unbiased a source as possible because aside from hearing a candidate speak first hand there really is no way to know for sure what information is real and what’s the not-so-true. One of my favorite ways to stay up-to-date with this year’s election information has been to use the U.S. Presidential Election 2016 App on my Samsung Galaxy S7. Not only can I check the debate schedule (the first one is this coming Monday, September 26th, by the way), but I also get regular updates when there are new articles to read. I love that they are all in one place for when I have the time to scroll through and pick which ones I’d like to read. Of course all the major channels, like CNN, Fox News, and C-Span have their own apps as well, but I like that this app keeps everything in one place for me and ensures that I’ll get information from several different sources instead of just one.
I suppose before I start recommending apps for you to download on your smartphone I should share a really handy and informative website where you can register to vote. Yes, you read that correctly! You can actually register to vote online. If you’re registered already, excellent, if not you can visit (or recommend it to someone else) the RegisterToVote website. I had no idea you could register to vote online, did you? It isn’t available to everyone, but as of April 2016 31 states, including the District of Columbia, offer residents the opportunity to register to vote online. Not only is it convenient, but it’s also fast and super simple, which is why they’re hoping it motivates folks to register to vote for the upcoming election. This year’s Presidential election is shaping up to be one of the closest in history, so voting could be more important than ever before and I definitely plan to visit my local polling place.
How about you? Are you registered to vote? Do you plan to vote this year? Am I asking too many personal questions? Because I tend to do that sometimes. It’s okay if you don’t want to answer any of them, but I hope you do because I’d love to know the answers. No judgement, I promise.
Disclosure: I’m a compensated member of the U.S. Cellular Blogger Brigade, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
P.S. Don’t forget to download, personalize, and get your entire family on the same page with this handy Parent/Child Cell Phone Contract! You can thank you me later.
Yep – I am registered to vote and have been since I was 18. I rarely leave the house, so I vote by mail, which is very handy. I am going to vote this year – as I do every year there is an election (both local and national)
Alicia Taylor recently posted..Mexican Breakfast Burritos
Wow. You’re way better than me, Alicia. I haven’t voted since I was 18, but I definitely take it very seriously now. I think you’re probably really smart, especially this year due the anticipated long lines, to vote by mail.
I am registered to vote! I make sure that I vote every year. This year I think many will not vote because they don’t care for the candidates. I think it is important to vote, plus it is our right!
I feel the same way, Cynthia. I’m hoping that those who aren’t planning to vote will somehow change their mind because this ones matters a whole lot!
Yes, I’m registered. I vote at every election. This is a big year and I hope that people get out there and vote!
Milena recently posted..Eight is Great: My Daughters Are Far Apart In Age, and I Love It
Me too, Milena! This is definitely one of the most important elections in history (in my opinion), so I hope we get as many voters as possible to the polls.
I completely agree with you that it’s imperative that all US citizens register to vote. I take that responsibility pretty seriously and have always made a point to cast my vote at election time. That being said, I have no idea what to do with this year’s presidential election. I’m at a stalemate. lol Without getting too specific (it’s best to avoid the drama), I feel like we’ll be choosing the lesser of two evils. lol
Jessica Harlow recently posted..Kohl’s Mystery Offer – Up to 40% Off Your Online Order!
I think a LOT of Americans agree with you, Jessica, but hopefully we can all work together after the ballots are all counted.
I am not quite sure what to do with this election. It’s definitely a frustrating one. I plan to vote though.
I’m with you, but I agree that this is going to be a tough one.
I am definitely registered to vote and I will be voting in the election for sure. I am not elated about our current candidates but I firmly believe in this democracy and the rights that women had to fight for.
Laura Funk recently posted..The Rusty Bucket Comes to Denver! #MyRustyBucket #BucketLifer #Hosted
I agree with you, Laura. It’s definitely been an interesting election cycle and certainly one that will go down in history, but I do wish it wasn’t such a challenging one.
I still remember the excitement of my first time voting!! This is an important topic and I’m glad you shared! 🙂
Erin @ Stay at Home Yogi recently posted..September Update | Financially Fit 2016
That’s so cool, Erin. I don’t remember my first time, but I have no doubt my son will. He’s very eager to be a part of the process.
So important to be registered to vote and to actually vote! Great information.
Emily recently posted..Entryway table makeover using peel and stick paper
I agree, Emily. While I haven’t voted my entire adult life I now see and appreciate how important it is, especially this year.
My daughter is very excited that she will be 18 next year. It is a big deal to her to be able to finally vote in the local and later the presidential elections.
How exciting for her, Rosey. It’s such a huge milestone for kids, especially if they’re interested in being a part of the voting process.
so exciting to register to have right to vote since i’ve been waiting for so long to wait vote, especially to vote who will be the next president of USA
Yes I’m a registered voter and vote for election too though my candidate didn’t win at least I have a chance to take my stand.
Milton Garcia recently posted..Scientific Trading Machine