Tuesday's To Do List: VOTE

I don't care what you think you have to get done today. There is only one thing you really need to do.

Seriously. You must vote.

Don't tell me that your boss won't give you the time off. Most states, but not all (and what is wrong with those states that don't) make it illegal for your boss to deny you time off to vote. Click that link to find out what the requirements are in your state.

The lines may be long so be prepared. Take a folding chair so you're not standing the whole time. If the weather is iffy, take an umbrella and dress appropriately. Take snacks and water. Take a book. Be prepared to wait. Whatever you do, do NOT get out of line once you're in it. Have a back-up plan to pick up your kids in case you're in line to vote. Better yet, go vote right after you drop your kids off at school. As long as you're in line before the poll closes, they have to let you vote.

Don't tell me your vote doesn't matter because Obama (or Romney) is going to win your state anyway. 537 votes determined the outcome in Florida in 2000. Have you heard of the "down ballot races"? Those are the races for Congress, Senate, your State House races and Governor races, county races, referendum issues, judges. Those races matter more to your daily life than the President. Trust me.

Don't tell me you don't know where to vote. The Googles has you covered. This is cool. Just type in your address and it will tell you the location of your polling place (and get you directions), but it will also tell you all the races on your ballot.

Leave for work super early and vote. And don't forget to ask for your "I Voted" sticker. Trust me, I will wear mine with pride.

Just vote.

And if anyone tries to intimidate you into not voting, take action. Voter intimidation and voter suppression is a big f'ing deal. Thanks to my blog buddies Dr. Monkey Hussein Monkenstein and Katie Schwartz for the heads up about the FBI Voter Intimidation Hotline. Put the number in your cell phone, even if you think you won't need it. Especially then.

And if you choose not to vote, please don't talk for the next four years.

You Gotta Ba-Rack the Vote!

CJ Cregg said it best, so I'm just gonna let her speak . . .

Early voting is open in many places. Go vote. Go vote NOW. Don't know where to vote or how to vote early? No problem.

Oh, and if you live in the path of Hurricane Sandy, GO VOTE NOW. Really. Remember how the Halloween Nor'easter paralyzed parts of the East Coast last year leaving many without power for more than a week? Imagine that happening just before the election. Tons of hurricane damage. No power. What would happen to your ability to vote on November 6th if you were cleaning up from a massive hurricane? Go vote now and you won't have to worry.

If you think your vote doesn't count, I remind you of the 2000 election. That was decided by just over 500 votes in Florida. But if Gore had won a couple of other states, Florida wouldn't have matter.

This election is a big f'ing deal, so go vote.

Walk & Talk the Vote - The West Wing is BACK!!

The West Wing is back! The West Wing is back! The West Wing is back!!!!!

Okay, I may have overstated that a little, but it is. Sort of.

Here's the scoop: A woman named Bridget Mary McCormack is running for State Supreme Court in Michigan and she got the cast of The West Wing (complete with Josh and Donna!) to shoot a commercial for her. How did she manage this magnificent feat? Glad you asked. She happens to be the sister of a Mary McCormack, who was part of The West Wing cast from 2004 through 2006. How awesome is that?! So her sister and all her friends filmed a 4-minute commercial for the next Michigan State Supreme Court Justice.

And while they're at it, they even manage to teach you a lesson as memorable and important as the Schoolhouse Rock lessons. Yes, I'm serious.

Trust me, I wish I'd been there.

Now watch it and remember to vote for ALL the races and issues on your ballot this year. And if you live in Michigan, vote for Bridget Mary McCormack.