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Billy, Kate & Will in Perú

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Midterm Elections

Posted on Monday, October 4, 2010 Leave a Comment

A few days ago I was listening to NPR’s All Things Considered and they had an interesting piece on the upcoming mid-term elections and rallying minority voters to come out and vote again like they did for the presidential election in 2008. I missed the beginning of the story, but quickly became intrigued with the topic.

Since there is a possibility of the Democratic party losing their majority, and shifting political focus onto the Republicans, both sides are out in full force trying to get as many votes for their party’s candidates. And to get the votes needed, they are hitting up the minorities, the 15 million people who voted for the first time in 2008; a body of voters that is 35 percent African-American, is more than 20 percent Latino, and is significantly under age 35.

In an effort to get these voters to come out to their polling stations for the midterm election, the DNC is spending more than ever to target these minority audiences. According to NPR, in 2006, the party spent approximately $300,000 on media. This year, they have already spent $2 million on an urban ad campaign, and more will likely be spent.

The message that the DNC is trying to convey to American voters is that this election is just as important as the 2008 presidential election. “Here is an important election in November and it is called the midterm,” one radio pitch says. “Republicans are trying to take over and we have to stop them.”

But despite ads like this and the millions of dollars spent on campaigning for DNC candidates, the message isn’t getting through.

Over the past few weeks I have heard NPR stories, read articles and watched network news segments all mentioning the high percentage of people that most likely will not be voting come this November. What is even worse, many of these also mention that there are quite a few people that simply do not realize that an important midterm election is coming up. They just don’t know.

“To be honest, I didn’t even know it was midterm elections,” said Amanda Oden, a 20-year-old student at Xavier University in New Orleans, a traditionally black school. Amanda, who voted for the first time in 2008 was excited about finally being old enough and able to vote for an African-American president. But now, “now I just don’t care. Not that I don’t care, but it’s not as exciting as it was before.”

Another student from Xavier University who was interviewed for the NPR story, Kiera McKee, 19, said before during the 2008 elections, she connected to the celebrities, like rapper P. Diddy, and others who participated in “Rock the Vote.” But when it comes to who will control Congress, she just doesn’t relate.

Hearing this made me think about what is happening in America. Many people are quick to pass judgment on elected officials, complaining about bills that are passed – especially the new health care reform. But what I find is that the same people complaining about the state of our government, are the same apathetic people who are not out on election day.

I am by far not a political pundit, but I do think that it is our responsibility as citizens of this country to make an effort to vote for our leaders. We are given the opportunity to make a small difference in the way this country is run and we should take advantage of it.

Yesterday, Sunday, October 3rd, Peru held elections for more than 12,000 seats all across the country. Almost every seat from the local and regional branches of government were up for grabs (national seats will be voted for this April, 2011). In Peru, voting is compulsory. In fact, starting the Thursday night before, no alcohol was sold, movie theaters were closed on Saturday, and church services were canceled on Sunday. After voting, each person receives a sticker to be placed on the back of their identification card. If you are caught without that sticker showing you voted, there are some hefty fines.

I don’t know statistics on how compulsory affects the turn out of elections, but it is just shameful for people not to know that in less than 1 month, we in the United States will have the opportunity to change legislative leadership in both the federal and state branches. I can’t watch the news or a television program without multiple stories or commercials about candidates for both federal and state seats, let alone the lawn signs, radio ads, and newspaper articles.

Maybe compulsory voting is something to think about for the future.

Want to listen to the original NPR story? Click here to listen to an mp3 version.

Posted in: General, Peru | Tagged: audio, midterm elections, NPR, Peru, voting

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katebruder

Traveler. Spanish speaker. Michigan native✋🏻. Peruvian citizen 🇵🇪. 📍Lima, Perú

[late post] May have been chastised for taking a p [late post] May have been chastised for taking a photo on the sidewalk in front of the embassy last month but thankful for the opportunity to participate in free and fair elections while overseas. I only wish the ballot drop off hours had been longer so Will could have come with us 🗳️✉️
Thankful for a church that loves its kids, generou Thankful for a church that loves its kids, generously invests in them and shares that the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 

@caminodevida @kidscdv #fundayfestcdv
A visit to the Palacio de la Moneda in Santiago 🇨🇱 

#littlewilliamnoah
Spring break trip to Santiago, Chile 🇨🇱 A de Spring break trip to Santiago, Chile 🇨🇱 A dear friend has been working in Santiago and thanks to some great points redemptions for flights and hotel, we made the trip to see her and explore a new city and country. We were amazed at the differences between Santiago and Lima (amazing public transportation! open spaces and greenery!) and loved spending time with @minazavala 😘
Spent the morning in Callao for a track meet. Will Spent the morning in Callao for a track meet. Will competed with the San Borja team in 4 races in the U8 group (50 meters, 200 meters, 4x50 meter mixed relay and 5x50 meter boys relay) and earned a medal in every race. We love watching him have fun and see how his hard work in practice pays off! 🥇🥈🥉🥉 #littlewilliamnoah
Slow days and late summer evenings on the water wi Slow days and late summer evenings on the water with family 🐟☀️ 

#littlewilliamnoah
After 3 years, we finally enjoyed a glorious Michi After 3 years, we finally enjoyed a glorious Michigan summer for a few weeks doing all the outside things possible. Spent way too much time delayed at the Atlanta airport and not nearly enough time with family. 

#littlewilliamnoah
Your greatest contribution to the kingdom of God m Your greatest contribution to the kingdom of God may not be something you do but someone you raise. - Andy Stanley

Happy Father’s Day, Billy! The legacy you are creating for Will and the example you show him daily of how to be a father and husband is our greatest blessing. We love you. 

#littlewilliamnoah
Last night Will went to his first professional soc Last night Will went to his first professional soccer game, a friendly match between Perú 🇵🇪 and Paraguay 🇵🇾. Even though the game started after he normally goes to bed and ended in 0-0, he was so excited to cheer for @labicolor and loved it ☺️⚽️ #littlewilliamnoah
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