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Every year at this time politicians tell people they should go out and vote.  They say it is your civic duty.  They say your vote counts more because of lower voter turnout.  They say this is an important election, and that the (Republicans, Democrats... fill in the blank) need every vote.  They say it is time for change and you can effect that change if you cast your ballot.  They say the opposing candidates are slimy and dishonest, and the only way to prevent such evil from prevailing is to vote.

And in non-presidential election years like this one most people don't heed that advice.

People are too busy.  And they say their one vote won't count for much anyway.  Or they didn't have time to learn enough about the candidates.  Or they don't know where they are supposed to go to vote.  Or they were going to, but didn't feel like it.  It's an imposition, it's a nuisance, I forgot.

The fact is that it is pretty easy to vote in Lansing, and a rather pleasant experience.  Most of the polling places are at one of our fire stations, and all have ample parking.  Even if there is a line it moves fairly quickly.  At some times of day there is no line.  The election inspectors in Lansing are very nice, friendly people who do everything they can to help you understand what to do.  And if there is a line, the people in it tend to be friendly and fun to talk to.

On top of that the North Lansing Auxiliary offers dinner and supper every election day.  The meals are cooked right there, and the money goes to support a number of charitable causes.  If you are lucky enough to vote in North Lansing you can go right from the voting booth to an amazing meal with plenty of good company, and all in a good cause.  If you vote elsewhere, guess what?  It won't take you more than 15 minutes to get from wherever else you vote to the North Lansing fire house.

These days it's easier than ever, despite campaign advertising campaigns, to find out what candidates stand for.  Check out the Star's elections page for interviews of candidates for U.S. Congress, State Assembly, and County Sheriff.  You get to it by clicking "News" and then "Lansing Elections."  Wednesday I heard all three candidates for Sheriff on WHCU's morning  news program.  And all the candidates have Web sites that are easy to access and tell you what they really stand for.

This year we get to vote for our sheriff, State assembly person, State senator, Governor, State Comptroller, State Attorney General, U.S. Senator, U.S. Congressman, and County Clerk.  That's a pretty good mix of people who will affect our every day lives as well as influence the directions our nation takes.  And the fact that we get to choose them is a privilege and a gift.

And a responsibility.  How many people do you know who complain about the government, but don't vote?  What right to they have to complain?  And how many times have you heard someone say that in a democracy you get the leaders you deserve?  If you don't vote you deserve whoever someone else decides to vote for.

So the bottom line is that it is important that you vote, and it's not hard to do it, at least in Lansing.  It just doesn't take that much time, and the voting places are nearby and open from 6am to 9pm, giving you plenty of time.  And the food is terrific!

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