Why Vote?

This is a question that is probably plaguing a lot of voters in non-showdown states. You know, California, Texas, New York, just about every state under the Bible Belt. That lovely POS we call the media has made it quite clear that the presidential election will be decided in the showdown states. California hasn't been a showdown state in a LONG time. Its just a notch on Kerry's wall, a really big freaking notch (55 electoral votes baby :) ), but not one he's really concerned about losing.

Still, there is a reason to vote: State Elections!

There's like twenty propositions on the ballot here in CA, Barbara Boxer is looking for reelection, City Council elections are going on, and every congressman is up for reelection every other year, including the person who may be the only republican congressman in California.

Also, here's a lovely little factoid: Although my vote in the presidential election may be as big a a deer tick in China (joke from the Daily Show book :) ), the only other people voting in the CA Senate election or the propositions are people in California, and the only people voting in the congressional votes are the people in the absurdly gerrymandered congressional district (note: while I don't KNOW that the OC congressional district is gerrymandered, its pretty safe to assume that it was at one point or another...).

That's why I'm voting. Sure, my presidential vote is sorta irrelevant, but there are plenty of votes on the ballot where my vote can make a difference.