No Easy Ballots: Why I'm a Romney Supporter Who's Voting For Obama

Quick Background
In our electoral college system, an elector can vote for whoever they want to, however, the electors pledge to vote for a specific candidate, so when we place a vote we are in reality voting for an elector who will then vote for the presidential candidate based on the majority of that state. To win a presidential election, a candidate is required to obtain 270 electoral votes out of 538 (half + 1). Before a presidential race even begins, most of the states electoral votes have been called for either of the two main candidates. The handful of states whose electoral votes are not already decided are known as a swing state or battleground state.

Does my vote count?


Easy Answer: It depends on what state you are voting in. For states such as Texas, California, Arizona, and all of the rest of the 42 out of 50 states, your vote doesn't matter. As of June 18th, 141 days until the polls even open, 434, or 81%, of the nations 538 electoral votes have already been decided!

THE PROBLEM

I am registered to vote in Utah. As a resident of Mormonland, it is difficult to see a point in taking time out of my day, standing in a long, slowly inching forward line (in 2008 I had to stand in line for over an hour and a half to vote) to place a vote for the first serious Mormon presidential candidate? Mitt Romney is a lock to take Utah. Some might say, "but Danny, what if everyone thought that way? Then nobody would vote!" To that I say GOOD! If only old people in Utah turned out the polls, it would be the difference between Romney winning Utah by 88% instead of 96%. Who cares? If I were a presidential candidate, why would I spend time worrying about any state that was already decided one way or the other? Honestly, I wouldn't! If I did, I would most likely lose the race. Instead, I would focus all of my resources on trying to win over the swing states, if I had some extra time and money I would spend it solidifying my hold on the weaker states and just maybe I would toss a few bones to the states that weren't for sure completely guaranteed to go to my opponent. To the presidential candidates in 2012, the people of America don't matter, the people of Florida, Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina, and Wisconsin are who count. Their support is the difference between the history books or retirement.

Danny, it's not a problem if there is no solution

I'm glad you said that. Imagine this: We live in a country that requires our presidential candidates to truly care about the will and desire of the citizens. A country where my vote and your vote actually matter. A country where presidential candidates cannot win by simply pandering to a small percentage of citizens.

I am NOT talking about getting rid of the electoral college, I do not believe our congress will seriously consider switching to a popular vote any time in the near future, nor do I want them to. There are certain aspects of the college that I actually do like.

I am NOT talking about a system overhaul or extravagant rule changes.

I AM talking about taking matters into our own hands through simple and reasonable actions that can have lasting affects of how politicians run for leader of the free world.

HERE IS WHAT WE CAN DO

Partisanship is the reason the media is able to declare winners of states months before the actual election. Most of us belong to either the Democratic or Republican Party for a reason. I am not against having a two party system, my intention is to find some common ground between the two parties long enough to at least improve upon our fighting process. Whatever the reason for our differences, I think all Americans can all agree on at least one thing, and that is we care about the direction of our Country and want a prosperous future.

The way to always ensure the stability of our future is not to rely on the thoughts and opinions of any one person but based on the collective thoughts of educated Americans.


I believe that if a presidential candidate were required to "win over" all of the states (or even at least half of them) not only would our votes count, but we would see and hear a lot more about the presidential candidates, what they stand for, and what their plan for the future is. We would place Americans in a position to elect a president in a fair election based on the candidates honest beliefs, qualifications, and morals.

We can achieve this ideal by making every state a battleground state. That is why I am casting my vote on November 6th for Barack Obama, even though I personally want Mitt Romney to become the 45th president in 2012. Making every state a battleground is not going to happen in one or two elections, but it is the principal behind my vote that I care about, even more so than who wins the election this year. While your personal belief may be that Obama or that Romney will benefit the country now, if you do not live in a swing state, it doesn't really matter what you think. Therefore, why not put your vote this November to good use? Why not help make an effort to improve the future of presidential elections so that what you do think will matter in the polls?


I'm sold, I want my vote to matter, how can I help make this possible?



-If you live in a red state, cast your vote for Obama. Regardless of whether you want Obama or Romney to win.
-If you live in a blue state, cast your vote for Romney. Regardless of whether you want Obama or Romney to win.
-If you live in a swing state, learn what both candidates stand for and cast your vote for who you believe will be the most beneficial to the future of our great country.

Eventually, your state can become a battleground state and require the candidates to pay attention to your state... to visit your state... but most importantly, to sincerely convince you that he/she is worth your vote. This November, don't stay home and waste your vote. Don't cast a vote that will widen the gap of partisan Americans. Put your vote to good use by placing a vote to keep presidential candidates honest.

See you at the polls:)