Make time to vote & make it fun

It's that time again. Tuesday is just around the corner and talk on the street is that people are more excited for Nov. 5 to be here than they are about the candidates that are running.

On Nov. 9 we have another big day coming up. The Chicago Bears will be playing the Green Bay Packers. I've already voted early for the Packers to win that game (home field advantage and the Packers have been playing well lately), and you probably have some opinion about who should win that game as well.

But, I hope you will take some time away from ESPN and your fantasy leagues to vote on something that will affect your and your children's lives for many years.

Voting is a sacred right that was entrusted to the people of this country.

This is the same boring stump speech that you hear every two years. However, take some time outside of the nasty TV commercials to learn what the candidates stand for, and then take 15 minutes out of your day to go vote.

There really is no good excuse for a person to simply not vote in Linn County, or in any of the Creative Corridor counties. Early voting is available through absentee ballots (which is what I did), or you can vote in person at one of many early satellite voting locations. If those don't work for you then you can go to your polling place, which is probably just a few blocks from your house, on Nov. 4.

If you are confused about the process or have questions then call or drive down to the County Auditor. You can also vote at the auditor's office any time they are open. They do a great job explaining everything, and won't treat you like you're stupid.

I feel like a preacher when saying this stuff, but what irritates me more than people who don't vote is people who don't vote and then complain about the outcome. So here is my last attempt to persuade you.

Make voting a fun experience.

Go to the polls early so that you can wear your ‘I Voted' sticker with pride all day.

Get your friends and your neighbors to vote.

Host an election party and serve appetizers and cocktails, or join one of the local political parties for their victory celebration. Try and make this fun like your football games.

And finally, please exercise your right and get off your couch. It is quick and easy and can help determine the future of our country.

' Justin Wasson is a community Editorial Board member and resident of Cedar Rapids. Comments: jrwasson@live.com