Now an ‘informed voter,’ reader will head to polls for first time

I’ve been involved in many political discussions and arguments over the years and can safely say there are three types of voters. I’m not talking Democrats, Republicans and independents; there are the informed, uninformed and the bandwagon voters.

The informed voter doesn’t base his or decision upon biased campaign ads and the opinion of a right- or left-wing news channel. The truly informed voter follows the issues, no matter how difficult they may be to find in this mud-slinging election, and listens to what the candidates actually have to say. They weigh the pros and cons of every issue and truly follow their heart in the decision-making process.

The uninformed voter may be uninformed for two reasons. He or she may work a lot and not have time to keep up with the candidates. He or she may also purposely stay uninformed, being so fed up with the campaign rhetoric and hoopla that accompanies most elections. Emotionally, they may distance themselves from the issues, the candidates and the whole nine yards. They may feel justified in filling out any old name. I suggest if you are uninformed for whatever reason, you simply should not vote.

This upcoming presidential election needs anything but apathy. I speak from an honest place because this will be the first election I have ever voted in. Yes, I’m 32 years old and have never voted. Not voting is as much of a choice as voting, for anyone who feels I’m unpatriotic.

If you think I’m bad, here comes the third and worst category of voters, which makes up the majority of the country. They are the bandwagon voters. I can’t stand the people in this group for one very good reason: most are submitting to conformity.

The bandwagon voters decided long ago that they will belong to the same political party forever. No matter what happens, they will vote the same. They don’t pay attention to issues unless they support their side, and all they vote for is to support their home base. These people generally believe the world is black and white and not at all gray. These people don’t realize they are simply narrowing the scope of their minds and hearts.

So, think before going to the voting booths this November. What type of voter are you? If you’re uninformed or a bandwagon voter, I suggest you reconsider. I may have been out to lunch the last few elections, but at least I knew not to vote because of it. The election is not about choosing your favorite baseball team, but about real issues and real problems that affect us all. There’s nothing wrong with being informed. Try to get there before you get to the voting booth this November.

Darren DeBari

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