Voting brings out mixed emotions in me. Part of me agrees with a former professor of mine who was an anarchist, who said in class, “Don't vote, it only encourages them (corrupt politicians).” Part of me wants to vote because so many of my people died to acquire and maintain the right to vote, despite my disdain for most of the names that show up on the ballot. I force myself to vote in every election for some basic reasons. Neighborhoods that vote in significant numbers on a regular basis tend to get better service from government. The politicians for the most part only respond to campaign contributions, votes, and pressure ranging from calls and letters to civil disobedience and disruption of business as usual.

Voting brings out mixed emotions in me. Part of me agrees with a former professor of mine who was an anarchist, who said in class, “Don't vote, it only encourages them (corrupt politicians).” Part of me wants to vote because so many of my people died to acquire and maintain the right to vote, despite my disdain for most of the names that show up on the ballot. I force myself to vote in every election for some basic reasons. Neighborhoods that vote in significant numbers on a regular basis tend to get better service from government. The politicians for the most part only respond to campaign contributions, votes, and pressure ranging from calls and letters to civil disobedience and disruption of business as usual.