Why vote? Pick a reason

If you vote strictly for a political party, then this post doesn't matter. Whether you support the Republicans or the Democrats, loyalty to your party probably isn't affected by debates, facts about the candidates or the issues (pro or con), or anything else.

In our little corner of Virginia, there's a very interesting race going on. And if voting for one party or the other doesn't appeal, you can cast a ballot for other reasons.

Let's get up to speed

Nick Freitas (R) is the incumbent member of the Virginia House of Delegates for our area. Political newcomer Ann Ridgeway (D) is also running for the seat.

The Freitas campaign failed to meet filing deadlines. Consequently, their candidate isn't on the ballot. It looked like Ridgeway was a shoo-in.

Then Illinois shipping mogul Richard Uihlein donated $500,000 to Freitas to mount a write-in campaign. And that money's been put to work. There are banners everywhere encouraging the write-in, as well as almost-daily mailings and -- of course -- TV, radio, and social media ads.

Anyone's race?

Only voters who are truly energized will make the effort to write in Freitas' name. Indifferent voters won't make the effort. And the name has to be spelled correctly to count. Again, not a problem for diehard Freitas supports, familiar with their candidate. Less-informed voters might make a spelling error. 

Turnout is traditionally low for a non-Presidential election. And that means every vote has an even greater impact on the results. It can also be an opportunity for a vote to say something. 

Money in politics

How do you feel about money in politics? In this race, someone in another state has dumped a half a million dollars into our local race to ensure its outcome. Freitas has almost $600,000+ in his war chest; Ridgeway about $120,000. Does that automatically guarantee a win for Freitas?

You can frame the contest as a referendum on outside influence. Do we want to keep local politics local, or do we want the best government money can buy?

Negative campaigning

It's common to express distaste for negative ads. But campaigns keep running them because they work. In this race, the write-in campaign has been exclusively negative. Ridgeway has kept her campaign focused on her own positions, barely mentioning the other candidate.

So if you feel strongly about this issue, here's your chance to say no to negative campaigning.

Why I'm voting

There are many ways to think about voting. For me, the most important way is as a civic duty. I'm a citizen of this country, and it is my responsibility to help select the makeup of our government. That means I need to do my homework on the candidates and the issues. I believe I should be making informed decisions in the voting booth. 

I know not everyone feels this way, and many will simply skip the whole process. That's a mistake. Because whether you vote or not, you will be governed by the laws the elected enact. You will be paying the taxes the elected levy. And you will be feeling the consequences of the decisions and policies (good or bad) of those elected.

If you vote strictly by party, none of this matters. But perhaps it should.