Ten Rules for Improved Voting

Election season is upon us, and between the media distortions, public shaming of your beliefs, and peer pressure to vote the way your family and friends do, you may desperately be seeking advice on how to make a proper voting decision. Here is my guide to choosing the best candidate for you.

1. Remember your principles: What are the issues that really matter to you? If the economy weighs more than social issues, look for a candidate who has great economic policy. If you put social or religious issues like abortion and gay marriage at the top of your principles, then find a candidate who is great on those issues, even if they may not be great on others. Know your principles, and DO NOT VIOLATE THEM with your vote.
2. Remember that government officials are your REPRESENTATIVES: This means that you should choose someone who believes similarly to you, and will govern in a way that will not be a major violation of your own personal principles.
3. Remember that there is no perfect candidate: Should you find disagreements with every candidate (which you probably will), do not be deterred in your support of them. This is where the application of the first point comes in handy. If you are not only 80% in agreement with a candidate, AND they feel the same issues are important as you do, then please give them your support (unless there is someone you agree with more, obviously).
4. Remember that your vote is YOUR vote: Who cares who your friends and family vote for? You are looking for the person that represents YOU, not your family.
5. Remember that “electability” is a false critique: When the lying media tells you that your candidate “cannot win”, ignore them. Stick to your principles and vote for the person who represents you, even if they are considered a loser.
6. Remember that we are not a “two-party” nation: There are more options on the table than just having an R or D next to your name. Political parties are created to cater to a majority, and you may not agree with the majority. That is absolutely fine. Vote libertarian, green party, socialist, constitutional party; whichever contains the platform that you most associate with.
7. Remember that identity politics is not a valid reason to vote for someone: The media would have you believe that someone’s skin color or genitalia is sufficient for your vote. That is the greatest lie ever told by the lying media. Not everyone who LOOKS like you THINKS like you. That is the worst kind of stereotyping, which is supposed to be a bad thing; except in politics where it is celebrated. Being a woman does not mean good policy. Good policy means good policy.
8. Remember that the media will lie to you: They have an agenda, just like corporations, Wall Street, bankers, and the Tea Party. You must listen to the unedited words of the candidates, not a sound byte analyzed by “experts”. Your opinion matters more than theirs.
9. Remember that character matters: Research the candidates, and see if they are consistent in their views. If someone proposing a flat tax while running for President was in favor of a 90% tax on the rich a year ago, beware! You should also look into their personal history. See which candidates have good relationships with family, and look into what their family believes. Association with like-minded people is important as is their interactions with opposition, as it gives us a glimpse of their character beyond mere words.
10. Remember that public speaking is not as important as policy: Forget about debate performances, giving speeches, interviews, sweating too much, having to drink water, tone of voice, or other idiosyncrasies. Will the candidate follow your principles, will they waver, are they consistent, and do you trust them? Those are the factors that matter. I would gladly take substance over style all day long.

These are the measures that I use when I choose my candidate, and I think that these ten rules will allow you to make an informed decision that you will not regret in the future. If you sell out your principles for “electability”, and the candidate turns out to be a dud, it’s on you. If you vote principles and the candidate violates those principles, that is on them. If you do not do research on any candidate, do us all a favor and STAY AWAY FROM THE BALLOT BOX!

Happy election season!