Sheepshead Bay Encouraged to Vote!
(U.S. Presidential Seal Modified to Encourage the Vote)
Here we are, finally, on the eve of this historic election day. It has been an exciting and long fight to the White House. We, at Sheepshead Bites, would like to encourage you to not lose steam now by neglecting to get out and vote.
We’re not going to argue with those who may say that your one vote doesn’t really matter, we’re just going to stand our ground. Overall, participation in the democratic process is good for the ‘citizenship soul’ – something akin to putting the T.V. on and watching the live broadcast of the Fourth of July fireworks. Neither really requires much other than a decision and a flip of a switch.
I know many of you rarely leave our little Sheepshead Bay haven and refer to Manhattan as “the city” – right next to your comment about how many years it’s been that you’ve been there. Yeah, I know if you have no reason to go there, why brave the crowds just to see a 15 minute display? But, I braved those crowds this summer to see the fireworks and it made me feel our country’s celebration of independence as something very personal.
But, we can’t use distance as an excuse for not getting out to vote. Voting is so convenient and accessible, we have no reason to not make it out. This year, disabled people with physical limitations that prevent them from casting their ballot in privacy will have a special ballot marking device that many say makes them feel liberated.
This year, I’ll be braving the crowds while working at one of our local polling sites. And there will be crowds. One way to speed things up at the site would be to ask questions at the information desk before making your way to the voting booth tables. You might want to check your district number on your voter’s registration card you got in the mail before going. Better yet, why not bring it with you? Usually, ID is not necessary, but just in case you are one of those rare persons who will need to show ID, you might want to have it in your wallet. If you have any other questions, you might try calling the Board of Elections or checking their website. They are working overtime for the election.
Some of you may feel disenfranchised thinking that Sheepshead Bay is really not that important to any of the candidates. Well, yeah, they all traveled to New York City recently, most likely passing right by us in their motorcade traveling on the Belt Parkway. We didn’t even get a wave! But, hey, these guys are busy rehearsing for SNL, give them some credit. For those of you who are not yet decided, you might want to go back to your TIVOed SNL episodes and just pick whoever you thought was funniest. Just vote.
I’m not here to tell you how to vote – that’s Ned’s job. Unfortunately, though, now that I’m in charge here (or so I’d like to think), I nixed his biased article telling you to vote for Oba…oops, I meant, his neutral information about both candidates. (Sometimes, I tend to take advantage of the fact that Sheepshead Bites, unlike our good ‘ol U.S.A, is ruled by a kindly despot.)
So, my Sheepshead Bay neighbors, we urge you to get out and vote. Take advantage of this wonderful thing we call Democracy – because unlike fleeting fireworks, your vote will help decide the course of our nation for years to come. Whoever you decide to vote for – John McCain and Sarah Palin or Barack Obama and Joseph Biden, I’ll see you at polls, neighbor.
For information about voting, contact:
The Board of Elections in the City of New York
Brooklyn Borough Office
345 Adams Street, 4 Fl
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Tel: 1.718.797.8800