So, you are standing in line at the local coffee shop, or standing in line at the deli counter, and you hear this:

“Oh, I won’t bother voting because….”

I would continue the sentence, but the list of reasons given for not voting would take up a lot of room. Instead, I would like to share a bit about why I believe it’s important to vote.

It’s your Constitutional right.

For over 200 years, the United States has been ensuring, through our Constitution, the right for all citizens of majority age and mental competence the right to vote. Through abolition, Women’s Suffrage and other historical eras, the U.S. has shown how important this right is. In many other areas of the globe, the right to vote on a secret ballot, unfettered and with real choices, just does not exist. We should celebrate this right.

It’s a civic responsibility.

This part is not about who you should vote for. In fact, nobody but you should decide who you’re going to vote for. This is about helping affect the decisions that impact your everyday life. Voting affects every level of government, from federal to local. How your school district is run, how your county property tax is determined and whether or not areas of town are zoned efficiently really do come down to each of our votes.

So, you’re still standing in line at the local coffee shop or standing in line at the deli counter, and you hear:

I didn’t register to vote this year.

Unfortunately, voter registration has ended. If you have registered in the past, you can check to see your registration status at www.elections.virginia.gov/voter-outreach. This page will also share with you how to easily register online for the next election cycle so you will be ready. Remember, there are not only 4-year election cycles. In Virginia, the voting pattern for your state and local governments are on alternating 2-year cycles. This means every year is a voting year in Virginia!

But the lines are REALLY long!

They sure can be. But if we are willing to stand in line for a great coffee or to get sandwiches, why not take a little time to stand in this line, too? Remember to bring something interesting to do, such as a puzzle book or even that stack of vacation brochures you have been dying to skim through. Also check your registration status online before you go, to avoid any hassles. And don’t forget to bring your ID to confirm your residence.

Adjust your schedule to avoid polling places before or after office hours or lunchtime, when lines are longest. If you really cannot make time to wait in the long lines because you are a commuter, are traveling or have some other qualifying reason, consider absentee voting in the next election cycle. You can simply download the absentee voter registration online and then mail, fax or email the registration back to receive a ballot in the mail.

I never know where to go to vote.

With consistently changing districts and the need to create additional voting sites, this can be a valid concern. Prince William County has an online E-Book you can access to find your district, and the Virginia state website has a “Where do I Vote?”  page that can pinpoint your polling station. Your polling place is also listed on your voter registration card.

Take the time to vote! Be American. Appreciate your right and privilege, and vote in the 2016 elections. For more community resources related to voting or other services, feel free to contact me.

©2016, Jacobson Realty and Home Staging

Jacobson Realty and Home Staging (JRY) was established by Broker/Owner Belinda Jacobson-Loehle in April 2002.

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