It all depends on you.
The past few presidential election cycles have taught me how important it is to participate in our nation’s political process. I can say I’ve never missed voting in a major election, but is that enough? History suggests perhaps not.
Let’s start with an understanding of the nation’s electoral process. Common Craft just put out this great explanation. Share it with your friends and your kids to help everyone understand.
As Lee mentions, all states except Maine and Nebraska follow a winner-take-all system, awarding all of their electoral votes to the majority winner of that state. Missouri has 9 congressional districts + 2 senators = 11 electoral votes. It is the majority of votes cast in Missouri that decides which candidate gets our 11 electoral votes.
Unlike Kansas, which is reliably Republican, or Illinois, which is reliably Democrat, Missouri is considered a swing state in the November election. In a swing state, the winner-take-all approach is where the popular vote loses most of its strength. Our statewide vote could be as close as 49.99% to 50.01% or closer, but it’s that .01% whose voice is heard in the end. Voter turn-out, especially in swing states, is the key to determining which candidate wins.
The electoral college makes it crucial not only to participate as a voter, but to help motivate and encourage your friends and neighbors to do the same.
Even if you’re not energized and motivated by the candidate himself, it’s still important to chose the party that will best represent your day-to-day interests.
How well Congress and the President work together depends upon a certain balance of power. It’s through legislation in Congress that most of the nation’s agenda is set. If the majority party in Congress has a wide majority (enough to override the President’s veto power, or to block the minority’s attempt to filibuster) it has a clear chance at setting the nation’s agenda clearly and decisively. However, if the Congress is split very evenly the agenda either requires more compromise, or gridlock results. The President’s party affiliation will have more influence, too, when the Congressional split is close. The Vice President provides tie-breaking votes in the Senate, and the President’s veto power often comes down to party platform.
If you’re energized about a presidential candidate, spread the word. If you’re not, at least support the party that supports your day-to-day interests.
