Today across New York State, voters are (hopefully) showing up to their local polling stations to cast votes for the representatives that they believe will move this state and its policies toward a positive future.

Likewise, in eight weeks, people will also be (hopefully) showing up to their local polling stations to cast votes for the Presidential candidate they believe will be better fit to lead this country for the next four years. And while people may say, or think, that every election is an important election, this year’s election and its results will definitively lead the country in two very different directions, as this year’s candidates are completely polar opposites.

And because of their contrast, it is imperative that people get out and vote. Rock the Vote, as the kids say. Everyone must show up to the polls on November 6th and vote. I know that in recent years a lot of people have expressed distrust or disinterest in voting, believing that their votes don’t count or that it’s a useless endeavor, especially since the 2000 election and the Battle of the Chads.

But we have got to fight through this political lethargy or the feeling that our votes don’t count. Wonder where to start? Read up on their policies and the items that they are prioritizing or throwing the wayside. Find out where they stand on issues that matter to you—health care, human rights, jobs, families, domestic spending, or homelessness—and if you don’t know where to start, visit C2EA’s AIDS Vote webpage and their break down of the candidates and the issues.

Not registered to vote? Not a problem! You can register to vote here, and you can also help others vote by participating in the National Voter Registration Day on September 25th I hope we’re all wearing those tiny white “I Voted” stickers on November 6th.

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