SSG Ed Mikus 149479 <div class="images-v2-count-1"><div class="content-picture image-v2-number-1" id="image-11554"> <div class="social_icons social-buttons-on-image"> <a href='https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rallypoint.com%2Fanswers%2Fdo-you-vote-why-or-why-not%3Futm_source%3DFacebook%26utm_medium%3Dorganic%26utm_campaign%3DShare%20to%20facebook' target="_blank" class='social-share-button facebook-share-button'><i class="fa fa-facebook-f"></i></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Do+you+vote%3F+Why+or+why+not%3F&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rallypoint.com%2Fanswers%2Fdo-you-vote-why-or-why-not&amp;via=RallyPoint" target="_blank" class="social-share-button twitter-custom-share-button"><i class="fa fa-twitter"></i></a> <a href="mailto:?subject=Check this out on RallyPoint!&body=Hi, I thought you would find this interesting:%0D%0ADo you vote? Why or why not?%0D%0A %0D%0AHere is the link: https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/do-you-vote-why-or-why-not" target="_blank" class="social-share-button email-share-button"><i class="fa fa-envelope"></i></a> </div> <a class="fancybox" rel="132233475807a5d6c9fb9287ae985099" href="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/011/554/for_gallery_v2/Do_you_vote_.jpg"><img src="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/011/554/large_v3/Do_you_vote_.jpg" alt="Do you vote " /></a></div></div>Do you vote in political elections? <br /><br />Why or why not? Do you vote? Why or why not? 2014-06-10T05:10:40-04:00 SSG Ed Mikus 149479 <div class="images-v2-count-1"><div class="content-picture image-v2-number-1" id="image-11554"> <div class="social_icons social-buttons-on-image"> <a href='https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rallypoint.com%2Fanswers%2Fdo-you-vote-why-or-why-not%3Futm_source%3DFacebook%26utm_medium%3Dorganic%26utm_campaign%3DShare%20to%20facebook' target="_blank" class='social-share-button facebook-share-button'><i class="fa fa-facebook-f"></i></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Do+you+vote%3F+Why+or+why+not%3F&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rallypoint.com%2Fanswers%2Fdo-you-vote-why-or-why-not&amp;via=RallyPoint" target="_blank" class="social-share-button twitter-custom-share-button"><i class="fa fa-twitter"></i></a> <a href="mailto:?subject=Check this out on RallyPoint!&body=Hi, I thought you would find this interesting:%0D%0ADo you vote? Why or why not?%0D%0A %0D%0AHere is the link: https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/do-you-vote-why-or-why-not" target="_blank" class="social-share-button email-share-button"><i class="fa fa-envelope"></i></a> </div> <a class="fancybox" rel="085d4eda1fe17f816233e1b77e6136cd" href="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/011/554/for_gallery_v2/Do_you_vote_.jpg"><img src="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/011/554/large_v3/Do_you_vote_.jpg" alt="Do you vote " /></a></div></div>Do you vote in political elections? <br /><br />Why or why not? Do you vote? Why or why not? 2014-06-10T05:10:40-04:00 2014-06-10T05:10:40-04:00 SGT Private RallyPoint Member 149496 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I vote because I have the right and ability to do so. Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 6:03 AM 2014-06-10T06:03:54-04:00 2014-06-10T06:03:54-04:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 149498 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>"One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors." - Plato Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 6:07 AM 2014-06-10T06:07:14-04:00 2014-06-10T06:07:14-04:00 MSG Wade Huffman 149500 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes, I vote in every election national and local. I am really confused as to why more don't vote in local elections; those results have a much more immediate impact on the communities in which we live and work. I think I may have missed a few elections since turning 18, but they are by far the exception, not the rule. Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Jun 10 at 2014 6:11 AM 2014-06-10T06:11:08-04:00 2014-06-10T06:11:08-04:00 MSG(P) Michael Warrick 149524 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes I believe it is part of our civic responsibility as a citizen of this great country to vote. Response by MSG(P) Michael Warrick made Jun 10 at 2014 7:38 AM 2014-06-10T07:38:30-04:00 2014-06-10T07:38:30-04:00 MSG(P) Michael Warrick 149529 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes I believe it is part of our civic responsibility as a citizen of this great country to vote. Response by MSG(P) Michael Warrick made Jun 10 at 2014 7:41 AM 2014-06-10T07:41:51-04:00 2014-06-10T07:41:51-04:00 SSgt Tim Ricci 149547 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My little say in Politics! Really, my opinion is you can't talk shit about Political crap unless you have voted! Response by SSgt Tim Ricci made Jun 10 at 2014 7:50 AM 2014-06-10T07:50:22-04:00 2014-06-10T07:50:22-04:00 MSG(P) Michael Warrick 149559 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes I believe as a citizen it is your civic responsibility Response by MSG(P) Michael Warrick made Jun 10 at 2014 7:55 AM 2014-06-10T07:55:55-04:00 2014-06-10T07:55:55-04:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 149562 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Of course, it's the only way to truly have a voice, to encourage positive improvements and to get rid of toxic officials. <br /><br />One thing to think about is, by voting, others who share similar values will know THEY are not alone. Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 7:57 AM 2014-06-10T07:57:20-04:00 2014-06-10T07:57:20-04:00 MSG(P) Michael Warrick 149577 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes I believe it is our civic responsibility as a citizen of this great country. Response by MSG(P) Michael Warrick made Jun 10 at 2014 8:03 AM 2014-06-10T08:03:01-04:00 2014-06-10T08:03:01-04:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 149601 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I vote in all elections, just as every American should. Half of the problem in this Country is that people dont invest themselves in their community and vote locally for the things that are important to the community. Our voices start locally and change is affected in turn. I've noticed most of the stuff people whine about is County and State issues, and yet 80% of the elected officials and representatives at that level run as unopposed incumbents at every election. Anyone who doesn't vote or only votes for Presidential candidates is undoubtedly part of the larger problem. Hell even Presidential voting is weak. The largest turnout in the last few decades has only turned out 61% of the voting populous. If only 61% are voting for President, I have to believe almost no one is voting for the people who directly impact communities. Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 8:25 AM 2014-06-10T08:25:15-04:00 2014-06-10T08:25:15-04:00 MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca 149630 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>We.ve earned and fought for the right so we should use it at any opportunity. Hoping that maybe one day it will actually work and we get the right people in office. Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 10 at 2014 8:53 AM 2014-06-10T08:53:07-04:00 2014-06-10T08:53:07-04:00 SFC Stephen Carden 149647 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I see that I am in the minority on this issue. I have never voted in any election. Before everyone gasps and casts aspersions on me, let me explain. First, no candidate has ever impressed me enough to motivate me to go out and vote. I am not one who would vote a straight party ticket. I think political party affiliation causes more trouble than it is worth. Instead of politicians just following the wants and needs of their constituency, they make issues into us vs. them. Therefore, I would vote for the candidate who best represents my values and vision of how the country needs to be led. No candidate has ever really grabbed my attention. I have liked a lot of candidates after the fact, but hindsight is 20/20.<br /> Secondly, I have been in the military since before I was old enough to vote. I have always felt that, being subordinate to the commander-in-chief, it was a conflict of interest for me to declare my support for any candidate. No matter who wins, I must obey their orders and support them as my commander-in-chief. That is my personal feeling only, and I see from the responses above that most Soldiers do not feel that way. When I retire, I will start voting. I will always support the candidate that supports the military. Response by SFC Stephen Carden made Jun 10 at 2014 9:07 AM 2014-06-10T09:07:00-04:00 2014-06-10T09:07:00-04:00 LTC Private RallyPoint Member 149684 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>It is important to vote as if you do not you have no right to complain about the results if you sit on the sideline. Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 9:39 AM 2014-06-10T09:39:15-04:00 2014-06-10T09:39:15-04:00 LTC Private RallyPoint Member 149726 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I vote in all elections. I make sure I look up as much as I can about each candidate. I have been asked why I spend so much time looking up info prior to the vote.<br /><br />I don't know why more people don't research the candidates.<br /><br />That said, because I research I normally vote for a third party. Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 10:48 AM 2014-06-10T10:48:12-04:00 2014-06-10T10:48:12-04:00 SFC Richard M. 149730 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I'm not familiar with the political goings-on in my home town anymore, so I only vote during National elections Response by SFC Richard M. made Jun 10 at 2014 10:51 AM 2014-06-10T10:51:04-04:00 2014-06-10T10:51:04-04:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 149745 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>To feel like a "real adult" Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 10:59 AM 2014-06-10T10:59:40-04:00 2014-06-10T10:59:40-04:00 PO1 Private RallyPoint Member 149749 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>While on active duty I found it impossible to vote. I was constantly TDY, deployed downrange / underwater, etc., making obtaining the mail-in ballots in sufficient time and returning the ballot in time to be counted impossible. Not sure how much better it is since I've retired, but I don't expect it's gotten any better despite the loud protests of our senior leadership. So, for 23 years, I did not vote. However, since my retirement - I vote. I communicate with my elected leaders - all the way down to the city/town/county level and up to and including POTUS. Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 11:02 AM 2014-06-10T11:02:31-04:00 2014-06-10T11:02:31-04:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 149758 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes, only if I agree with the majority of the person's values/views or they are somewhat similar to mine. I was not born in the states, so where I am from voting was useless. I like to think that here in the US, voting Can make a difference because it is not rigged. Wish more people would understand how much of a great opportunity that is and take advantage of it. Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 11:11 AM 2014-06-10T11:11:34-04:00 2014-06-10T11:11:34-04:00 SGT Robert Holt 149767 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Staying informed and voting for policies and candidates who will ensure that the greatest degree of personal liberty is maintained is a sacred duty, and one of the chiefest ways in which we can fulfill our oath to the uphold and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic.  Response by SGT Robert Holt made Jun 10 at 2014 11:18 AM 2014-06-10T11:18:24-04:00 2014-06-10T11:18:24-04:00 SGT Jason Doyle 149795 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I feel service members have an obligation to vote, as they are the most informed regarding the right or wrong policies affecting the US today. Response by SGT Jason Doyle made Jun 10 at 2014 11:43 AM 2014-06-10T11:43:58-04:00 2014-06-10T11:43:58-04:00 SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member 149803 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Absolutely! Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 11:48 AM 2014-06-10T11:48:45-04:00 2014-06-10T11:48:45-04:00 LCpl Steve Wininger 149840 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Although I missed voting in the primaries this year due to circumstances beyond my control, I believe they are just as important as the general elections. These days, voting is very important. Generally, I believe my vote counts more during a mid term election than a presidential election. Response by LCpl Steve Wininger made Jun 10 at 2014 12:08 PM 2014-06-10T12:08:26-04:00 2014-06-10T12:08:26-04:00 Cpl Private RallyPoint Member 149854 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>SSG, I vote because I can....gotta go for the lesser of the two evils..if you catch my drift Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 12:21 PM 2014-06-10T12:21:51-04:00 2014-06-10T12:21:51-04:00 SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member 149873 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Isn't that one of the basic things we are defending when we swear our oath to join military service?  Why even serve in the military if you don't want to use the very rights you're defending?  Just my personal opinion. Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 12:39 PM 2014-06-10T12:39:33-04:00 2014-06-10T12:39:33-04:00 SSG Trevor S. 149889 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I protected the right to vote, I will use the right I protected. Response by SSG Trevor S. made Jun 10 at 2014 12:49 PM 2014-06-10T12:49:15-04:00 2014-06-10T12:49:15-04:00 SSG (ret) William Martin 149890 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Voting is my privilege or duty; not my right. How can I complain if I do not take advantage of what others have poured their own sweat and blood into long ago. Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jun 10 at 2014 12:49 PM 2014-06-10T12:49:27-04:00 2014-06-10T12:49:27-04:00 SSG (ret) William Martin 149898 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>What's terrible is that some people things SMs should not have the privilege to vote because of various reasons in reference to not being informed, or being brain washed or being too supported of a republican candidate. Just Google that; there are some article written by these self entitled clowns. Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jun 10 at 2014 12:57 PM 2014-06-10T12:57:42-04:00 2014-06-10T12:57:42-04:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 149899 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I know many people in my own old neighborhood that complaint about what congress, the local mayor and officials do but dont do anything. I vote to have my voice heard. Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 12:58 PM 2014-06-10T12:58:29-04:00 2014-06-10T12:58:29-04:00 CPT Richard Riley 149901 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>It is my choice &amp; my personal obligation to vote. I have not missed an election - local, state, or national since 1978. Response by CPT Richard Riley made Jun 10 at 2014 12:59 PM 2014-06-10T12:59:52-04:00 2014-06-10T12:59:52-04:00 Cpl Private RallyPoint Member 149978 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I vote because the local and state level decides the national level. The problem with an electoral college is it needs a foundation and if your not doing your part to put the best people that run in office in place then you should not complain when things suck. Now I vote for everything in the state and research the bills and issues so i now how i am going to vote. If there is a name i do not recognize as it happens for something every time. I would read what party the are and see what influence or how there stances are in general before casting a vote for them. You support abortion and taking away my guns and screw over veterans then you are not getting my vote. I did a report in high school and less than .5 of a percent of abortions are done for medical reasons, rape or incest so that means about 99.4% or so are a form of birth control. If this is to be legal every time I see an Obama Biden bumper sticker i should be able to legally pull the person out there car and abort them form this world. Killing is killing yet we kill babies but not plaques on our society of people too stupid to think for themselves. This is as touchy subject for me and I believe full heartily you should have no right to vote unless your a veteran. Now I know this may upset some people but the majority of America has no idea how fortune we are to have rights. They have not seen things first hand, and only care about their own selfish reasons and not the common good. Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 1:48 PM 2014-06-10T13:48:58-04:00 2014-06-10T13:48:58-04:00 PV2 Mark Thomas 150030 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The reason I don't is due to the fact that it is no longer up to the vote of who gets a position anymore in my opinion. Therefore why put my $0.02 in where its not gonna count. I don't complain about who gets appointed a position I complain about the decisions they make that disgrace the position they are appointed. Response by PV2 Mark Thomas made Jun 10 at 2014 2:44 PM 2014-06-10T14:44:35-04:00 2014-06-10T14:44:35-04:00 PO1 William "Chip" Nagel 150043 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Religiously! If you don't vote you can't bitch. Not voting is Surrender. Also my Marine Corps Father would never forgive me if I didn't since he was an Election Judge in Johnson County Kansas for Years. Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jun 10 at 2014 3:00 PM 2014-06-10T15:00:35-04:00 2014-06-10T15:00:35-04:00 1SG Private RallyPoint Member 150259 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>No, I refuse to vote if Puerto Rico does not become a state or a fully independent country. I don't like the idea of being a common wealth and US citizen without the right to vote, unless I'm in the military serving on active duty. Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 6:29 PM 2014-06-10T18:29:04-04:00 2014-06-10T18:29:04-04:00 SPC Christopher Salustro 150266 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I do not vote, at all. Though in local elections I can see the appeal, I do not vote for National Elections as I believe they don't truly capture what the people want. <br /><br />A key question on par with that is, if the elections aren't "rigged" then why do we actually have an electoral college? Why is there a difference between a "popular vote" and an "electoral vote"? It makes no sense to me.<br /><br />I can understand that local elections have an easier chance of being "fair" though I seriously doubt it. I'm still hoping for the "common man" to win some type of election and not be folded and spit out by the corrupt system with call a government. Response by SPC Christopher Salustro made Jun 10 at 2014 6:42 PM 2014-06-10T18:42:39-04:00 2014-06-10T18:42:39-04:00 PO2 Rocky Kleeger 150297 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Because it is a right our forefathers, feeling it was important, gave us. Its wonderful, every two years we go to voting booths - usually at a fire station - and overthrow the government (hello NSA), and there's not a cop in sight. Believe it, or not, a lot of the rest of the world is jealous of our elections. Response by PO2 Rocky Kleeger made Jun 10 at 2014 7:50 PM 2014-06-10T19:50:15-04:00 2014-06-10T19:50:15-04:00 Cpl Christopher Allen-Shinn 150502 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I think that it's an important duty of citizenship in a democracy to remain informed and participate in the process by voting. The present toxic political environment may be ugly, but our nation has been through this before; this too shall pass! Response by Cpl Christopher Allen-Shinn made Jun 10 at 2014 11:47 PM 2014-06-10T23:47:25-04:00 2014-06-10T23:47:25-04:00 Capt Jeff Quinn 150596 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Voting is a right and I exercise it no matter what level of government is being represented. If there is a question or candidates that could effect my taxes, impact what I believe in morally or could best represent the values I believe in- then I would be wrong not to exercise the right to vote. Response by Capt Jeff Quinn made Jun 11 at 2014 1:14 AM 2014-06-11T01:14:42-04:00 2014-06-11T01:14:42-04:00 Cpl Reginald Whitcomb Jr. 151169 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>But not consistently. Response by Cpl Reginald Whitcomb Jr. made Jun 11 at 2014 2:13 PM 2014-06-11T14:13:17-04:00 2014-06-11T14:13:17-04:00 Cpl Reginald Whitcomb Jr. 151178 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>If you still think the problem with our government is a Republican vs. Democrat one, you still do not understand the problem. We no longer have the Republic that our Constitution originally formed. We also no longer have the Democracy that began the subversion of our Republic more than a century ago. We are currently under an Oligarchal Hegemony feigning as a Democracy, and no matter which party you vote for, we are steadily moving towards a National Socialist system.<br /><br />Until you understand this, you will keep voting for the 'lesser of two evils' and not really make any difference. This political duopoly must be broken if we want to move forward as one, otherwise we should start preparing for another civil war. or revolution, depending on the instigating factors that cause it to kick off. The crash of the USD$ is coming, and would be the one I suspect causing it at this point in time. Response by Cpl Reginald Whitcomb Jr. made Jun 11 at 2014 2:19 PM 2014-06-11T14:19:26-04:00 2014-06-11T14:19:26-04:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 151336 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I feel that it is our civic responsibility to vote in not only federal, but also local elections. Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2014 4:06 PM 2014-06-11T16:06:05-04:00 2014-06-11T16:06:05-04:00 1SG Private RallyPoint Member 166024 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I vote in the elections that I can. Sometimes I forget to get my absentee ballots. Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2014 3:18 PM 2014-06-28T15:18:04-04:00 2014-06-28T15:18:04-04:00 Sgt Randy Hill 166089 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>You cannot be for good government if you do not vote. Response by Sgt Randy Hill made Jun 28 at 2014 4:16 PM 2014-06-28T16:16:56-04:00 2014-06-28T16:16:56-04:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 166346 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I think it's very important to vote, and they've reduced the bill for many service members in the time it takes to vote. They literally send it to you, even if you're overseas. I try to vote in person, but you can always be a permanent absentee voter. Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2014 8:28 PM 2014-06-28T20:28:33-04:00 2014-06-28T20:28:33-04:00 SSgt James Stanley 166818 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes, I vote not only because it is my right, but also my civic duty. It is also my duty to inform myself on the stand of the people who are running for office in order to make a proper choice in who I vote for. A person who doesn't know who he's voting for or why should stay away from the polls. Response by SSgt James Stanley made Jun 29 at 2014 1:38 PM 2014-06-29T13:38:27-04:00 2014-06-29T13:38:27-04:00 CMC Robert Young 166820 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Every time there is an election. <br /><br />I work to educate myself about the issues/candidates, and then not only exercise my constitutional right, but likewise meet my constitutional obligation in our representative form of government. Response by CMC Robert Young made Jun 29 at 2014 1:47 PM 2014-06-29T13:47:52-04:00 2014-06-29T13:47:52-04:00 Capt Jeff S. 166822 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I used to blow off voting because I didn't like either candidate but have come to realize that when you don't vote, you have no right to criticize. I also think that we as voters should set term limits on the politicians we have elected. Much of the problem we have with Washington comes from having career lawyer politicians that have made nests for themselves and instead of answering to We The People that elected them, they answer to the Special Interests that donate large sums of money to their campaigns. <br /><br />We are a Constitutional Republic that follows rule of law, and We The People, elect from amongst ourselves, people to represent our collective interest and govern justly. It is their job to make the laws governing our society. As leaders, they should set the example and be subject to all laws they make affecting the general public [but they have gotten away from that]. As our representatives and voice in government, it is their job to represent the collective will of those who elected them [not the Special Interests that donate the most money to their campaigns]. When they forget whom they represent, and forget their oath to protect and defend our Constitution, it's time for them to go. As voters it is our duty to hold our elected officials accountable. At no time in America's history has it been as important to vote as it is now.<br /><br />Presently, our government is out of control. All three branches of government are corrupt and the safeguards [separation of powers] built in to protect our government have been compromised. This November We The People, who vote, need to make our voice heard!<br /><br />We must change the way business is done in Washington. To do that, we must begin by voting out all incumbents who have failed to take the necessary actions to protect and preserve our Constitution and freedoms, which the current Administration has been seeking to take away from us. Most notably the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 10th Amendment rights, which have been compromised. We must restore our gov't back in keeping with the vision of our Founding Fathers. We must put the national best interest ahead of our own personal interest and instead of voting for whoever promises us the most free stuff from the public treasury, we should be voting for the men and women who have the best ideas and the best resumes to accomplish the job. As patriots, it is not just our right to vote; it is our DUTY! Response by Capt Jeff S. made Jun 29 at 2014 1:50 PM 2014-06-29T13:50:31-04:00 2014-06-29T13:50:31-04:00 SSG Gerhard S. 167946 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I always vote. But I understand the argument for NOT voting, as a matter of principle. Not voting in large enough numbers removes the "sanction" that a participatory vote implies. Having the effect of undermining the over-reaching powers claimed by victors of popular votes in large numbers. Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Jun 30 at 2014 7:27 PM 2014-06-30T19:27:09-04:00 2014-06-30T19:27:09-04:00 SFC Kenneth Hunnell 168077 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>By voting, it allows me to complain or not agree with the standing politician in office.<br />If you do not vote you get what is handed to you, you should not complain considering the fact one did not take to time to voice there opinion in the beginning Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made Jun 30 at 2014 10:25 PM 2014-06-30T22:25:55-04:00 2014-06-30T22:25:55-04:00 SSG Gerhard S. 168254 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Some, would argue, I included that some people shouldn't vote, and I would ask them, politely, not to vote..... Something I wrote a few years back.<br /><br />PLEASE DON’T VOTE….. if….<br /><br />"When large portions of our population exercise their right to vote without first taking the time, and responsibility to educate themselves on the platform of the candidates, or on the details of the issues, it is as if we have large portions of our population poking around in the dark. This could prove to be destructive for all of us….. someone could lose an eye" -- Gerhard Seidel<br /><br />If you haven't read, and taken steps to understand the Constitution....<br />PLEASE DON'T VOTE!<br /><br />If you haven't taken the time to research the Candidate's positions... <br />PLEASE DON'T VOTE!<br /><br />If you don't know the platform of the party you support...<br />PLEASE DON'T VOTE!<br /><br />If you don't understand there's a difference between the powers allocated to State and Federal Governments respectively...<br />PLEASE DON'T VOTE!<br /><br />If you don't know what an "enumerated" power is....<br />PLEASE DON'T VOTE!<br /><br />If you believe it is somebody else's responsibility to pay for your education....<br />PLEASE DON'T VOTE!<br /><br />If you believe it is somebody else's responsibility to pay for your health care...<br />PLEASE DON'T VOTE!<br /><br />If you believe that a majority of the people should be permitted to vote your rights away...<br />PLEASE DON'T VOTE!<br /><br />If you believe the "will of the people" supersedes the inalienable rights recognized by our Constitution...<br />PLEASE DON'T VOTE!<br /><br />If you don't know what "Inalienable" rights are...<br />PLEASE DON'T VOTE!<br /><br />If you believe the 2nd Amendment was written for hunting...<br />PLEASE DON'T VOTE!<br /><br />If you believe the Constitution is a "living" document that can be changed by court orders, or judicial decisions.....<br />PLEASE DON'T VOTE!<br /><br />If you believe it is the job of a politically appointed Judge to "interpret" the Constitution, and know better what it means than the men who actually wrote it.....<br />PLEASE DON'T VOTE!<br /><br />If you believe deficit spending, and spiraling debt is our answer to a financial crisis...<br />PLEASE DON'T VOTE!<br /><br />If you equate ILLEGAL immigration with LAWFUL immigration....<br />PLEASE DON'T VOTE!<br /><br />If you don't know why the "Commerce clause" was written into the Constitution, and how it has been subverted....<br />PLEASE DON'T VOTE!<br /><br />If you don't know that "Promoting the General Welfare" means passing laws that benefit, all equally, and none in particular…..<br />PLEASE DON'T VOTE!<br /><br />In short.... IF YOU HAVEN'T TAKEN THE TIME TO EDUCATE YOURSELF ON THE ISSUES; ON THE HISTORY SURROUNDING THE ISSUES, AND ON THE RAMIFICATIONS OF BAD DECISIONS.....<br />If you haven't read, and understand the Constitution....you have not taken seriously your responsibility as a citizen and I implore you to....<br />PLEASE DON'T VOTE! Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Jul 1 at 2014 8:38 AM 2014-07-01T08:38:03-04:00 2014-07-01T08:38:03-04:00 Col Private RallyPoint Member 177736 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I do, but it frequently seems that the common votes of the people are overruled by the money and deep pockets of the lobbyists. Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2014 9:00 AM 2014-07-14T09:00:02-04:00 2014-07-14T09:00:02-04:00 LTC Henry Wadsworth 186168 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Voting is an important and powerful t Response by LTC Henry Wadsworth made Jul 25 at 2014 2:11 PM 2014-07-25T14:11:17-04:00 2014-07-25T14:11:17-04:00 SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS 239805 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I vote every time a poll is open. It is a sacred right and capstone of our Republic. Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Sep 13 at 2014 5:16 PM 2014-09-13T17:16:02-04:00 2014-09-13T17:16:02-04:00 SPC James Mcneil 288165 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes I do, and I make the effort to learn the issues before I reach the polls. Response by SPC James Mcneil made Oct 22 at 2014 8:53 AM 2014-10-22T08:53:56-04:00 2014-10-22T08:53:56-04:00 SFC William Swartz Jr 288189 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I have voted in every election I could since 1984, national and local via mail-in ballots and will continue to do so as long as I am alive! Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Oct 22 at 2014 9:05 AM 2014-10-22T09:05:05-04:00 2014-10-22T09:05:05-04:00 CW5 Private RallyPoint Member 288213 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Early voting starts in Maryland tomorrow, 23 Oct 14. I plan to vote early to avoid the lines on election day. (And, I'm about to click on the Vote button, so I'm voting yet again!) Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2014 9:28 AM 2014-10-22T09:28:13-04:00 2014-10-22T09:28:13-04:00 COL Jean (John) F. B. 288234 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="76036" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/76036-ssg-ed-mikus">SSG Ed Mikus</a> Absolutely ... If you do not vote, you have forfeited your right to complain/comment about things you don't like in Washington or local politics. Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Oct 22 at 2014 9:38 AM 2014-10-22T09:38:30-04:00 2014-10-22T09:38:30-04:00 SPC David S. 288257 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>In Chicago we're encouraged to vote early and often. Response by SPC David S. made Oct 22 at 2014 9:50 AM 2014-10-22T09:50:23-04:00 2014-10-22T09:50:23-04:00 SGM Private RallyPoint Member 288317 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Mainly on Rally Point! But yes, of course. Rather silly to serve in the armed forces and not vote, though some people do. Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2014 10:50 AM 2014-10-22T10:50:50-04:00 2014-10-22T10:50:50-04:00 PO2 Private RallyPoint Member 288534 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I do vote but I don't know if I want a animal as President! I do NOT trust EITHER of them. I STILL remember the government shut down! I don't like" kicking the can down the road"! Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2014 12:45 PM 2014-10-22T12:45:49-04:00 2014-10-22T12:45:49-04:00 SGT Scott Curtice 289381 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I've voted in every national election since 18 while in the military, and every election, local and otherwise since my med discharge. I always here about all the problems with our political system, I believe we have problems with our political system, but I guarantee not voting doesn't help, I personally think not voting actually adds to the problem. We may only think we have one vote, and one vote won't make a difference, but if you stand out and cast that vote, you find you are not alone, you stand up and look around and find you are in a large group that feel the same way.<br /><br />things that hurt our political system:<br />not voting<br />not educating everyone to think through things on their own<br />anonymous money in politics<br />voters not going out of their way to educate themselves on the issues and candidates other than what they are force fed<br /><br />we aren't enemies, we are one nation, why don't our representatives act like it. Response by SGT Scott Curtice made Oct 22 at 2014 7:45 PM 2014-10-22T19:45:03-04:00 2014-10-22T19:45:03-04:00 TSgt Kevin Buccola 299594 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I am proud to have the opportunity to vote and vote in every election either local or national Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made Oct 29 at 2014 12:41 PM 2014-10-29T12:41:24-04:00 2014-10-29T12:41:24-04:00 CMDCM Gene Treants 305376 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Just a reminder - TUESDAY, November 4, 2014, is your chance to exercise your franchise and VOTE! Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Nov 1 at 2014 2:53 PM 2014-11-01T14:53:30-04:00 2014-11-01T14:53:30-04:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 305521 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Only to help the Independent Parties. Red and Blue do not play well together so I side with the little guys. Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2014 4:34 PM 2014-11-01T16:34:37-04:00 2014-11-01T16:34:37-04:00 CPL Private RallyPoint Member 305717 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>You have a say in the future. If you don't vote you have no right to complain and I don't want to hear it Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2014 6:33 PM 2014-11-01T18:33:25-04:00 2014-11-01T18:33:25-04:00 MSgt Dennis Dudley 305720 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Damn right I do, cuz it is a responsibility to exercise a right. <br />I am neither republican or democrat. What is annoying is that a third party candidate never wins. You know it is a money issue. <br /><br />But I will always vote. If you don't vote than don't bitch!! JMHO.. Response by MSgt Dennis Dudley made Nov 1 at 2014 6:34 PM 2014-11-01T18:34:54-04:00 2014-11-01T18:34:54-04:00 TSgt Phillip L. 312737 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes. Yes. YES! Get out and vote! We worked hard for that right! If you don't shape the political climate of this country as a veteran, how can you expect it to have veteran's interests at heart!???! Response by TSgt Phillip L. made Nov 5 at 2014 7:53 PM 2014-11-05T19:53:05-05:00 2014-11-05T19:53:05-05:00 MAJ Private RallyPoint Member 313646 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>LOL! My photo should be next to no. Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2014 11:32 AM 2014-11-06T11:32:35-05:00 2014-11-06T11:32:35-05:00 MSgt Chris Adams 313653 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Makes zero sense to defend the right to vote and then not exercise the right in my opinion. Response by MSgt Chris Adams made Nov 6 at 2014 11:35 AM 2014-11-06T11:35:12-05:00 2014-11-06T11:35:12-05:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 450143 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Since I received the absentee ballots, being at college, it is much easier for me to remember to get out and vote. Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2015 11:43 AM 2015-02-02T11:43:35-05:00 2015-02-02T11:43:35-05:00 PO1 Stephen Caldonetti 540044 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I vote because to me it is the very base of democracy. Without voting, we have no voice. Now the people who say that your doesn't count is making excuses for the glitches of the system and then they don't vote yet they are the first to complain when things do not go their way. I always feel that if I vote, then I have put in my two cents. Response by PO1 Stephen Caldonetti made Mar 19 at 2015 3:24 PM 2015-03-19T15:24:27-04:00 2015-03-19T15:24:27-04:00 Capt Tom Brown 1634977 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>If I'm not on the winning side, I like those who are and get elected to have a better picture of just how many were against them and/or their proposals, so they don't think they waltzed into office on some tremendous mandate of the public in general. Hence I thought Uncle Bernie should stay in the race as long as possible to give HC a good idea of how unpopular she really is that so many people could support an vowed socialist. Response by Capt Tom Brown made Jun 16 at 2016 10:39 AM 2016-06-16T10:39:29-04:00 2016-06-16T10:39:29-04:00 SSgt James Stanley 1637080 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes, I never miss an election whether it's local or national. It is our right and duty to vote for the candidates we know will be the best for our country. I will never support a Presidential candidate who doesn't honor the Constitution and support the military. Response by SSgt James Stanley made Jun 16 at 2016 5:25 PM 2016-06-16T17:25:22-04:00 2016-06-16T17:25:22-04:00 2014-06-10T05:10:40-04:00