Poll Tax

Maybe I will vote more often.

My stock argument for not voting is rational abstention; an admittedly ambiguous and near-meaningless term. I often feel unrepresented by the available candidates and as a proponent of limited government living under an enormously bloated State entity, believe that the differences between individuals elected from my district are ultimately a wash when it comes to my day-to-day. This year's Senate race in Virginia has added to my voting malaise where I was presented this morning with a choice between two equally graceless buffoons. What would motivate me to involve myself in a debate where "the lesser of two evils" and "...the devil I know" are apt metaphors? Nothing, so I voted for neither.

Local election are the ones that can have the greatest impact on my life but I live in Arlington County where the issues most often revolve around education and public works. As a childless renter, I don't really have a horse in that race. So I left the bond issues and school superintendent decisions to better motivated and educated voters.

But nonetheless I did go out and vote this morning. I checked one box and one box only. Today I became a One Issue Voter and I felt surprisingly good about it. There is still a little charge that I get from participating in the system -- even if it is flawed -- and wearing my "I Voted In Arlington" sticker today. It was a good morning...I hope my one vote mattered.