The elections are less than two months away and no person or measure is a lock. As a matter of fact, the only lock is that the United States of America will have a new President come January 2009. These are some of the most important elections our country has seen and the great part is that we are all eligible to take part. You are eligible if you are registered to vote. If not, you must be registered by October 20, 2009 to vote in the November 4th elections.
Undoubtedly, the race for President will bring a first with whoever wins the election; either the first African American President in Barack Obama or the first female Vice President in Sarah Palin. As of now, the race is far too close to call and every vote will count. Our opportunity to decide our leaders in a voting system that allows every citizen a say is one of the major principles of our constitution. The fore fathers of this great nation made a stand for this belief and it is one of the principles and ideas that separate the United States from other nations. We must remember that and let our opinions be heard.
Aside from the Presidency, California has quite a few key propositions on this fall’s ballot. First, and the one being watched most, is Proposition 8, which eliminates the right of same-sex couples to marry. There are Proposition 4, waiting period and parental notification before termination of minor’s pregnancy; Proposition 5, nonviolent drug offenses, sentencing, parole and rehabilitation, Proposition 7, renewable energy generation; Proposition 9, regarding the criminal justice system and victims’ rights and Proposition 10, discussing alternative fuel vehicles and renewable energy. The key local measure for this area is Measure M, the bond for the Center Unified School District.
No matter if you are democrat, republican or independent. If you wish your voice to be heard this is your greatest opportunity. We, as citizens, have the ability to affect the leadership of our country.