I have to ask again: Are we going to SHOW UP next year?

[Left Coast2020]

The national trend for voting in a mid-term election is not good. I can't speak for other states across the country, but here in Calif. the numbers are embarrassing.

I can't find mid-term data, but for primaries I found this equally disturbing:

http://www.kcet.org/news/ballotbrief/voting/voter-turnout-for-primaries-a-dismal-overview.html

Then after digging further, I found this:

http://www.thestreet.com/content/image/69413.include

Forty percent turnout is laughable compared to European countries. I remember seeing an article in Sacramento Bee on mid-term turnout a few years ago, and the expectation was about 35% voter turnout for mid-term. And even 40% is an embarassment. Repukes are counting on us being lazy. They are counting on us forgetting what they said a month ago. They are counting on us forgetting their position on womens, or voting rights and what their F'd up governors have done in Wis, NC, and Mich. They are counting on us getting fed up. And if we do get fed up and not show up, they win, we lose. We need 60-70% turnout for this miud-term. If we get in that 65%-70% range, we can re-take the House back. And all our desires for stuff that was obstructed, now gets a hearing and a vote. Imagine that. Getting a vote on immigration reform, media reform(my desire), a jobs bill, and on and on.

So if all the repukes are going to be content with shutting down the government, and risking putting our credit rating in the toilet, then they need to pay for their selfishness and their only goal: oppose everything to please their ignorant stupid fuck base.

So if the WSJ is saying that shutting down the government will lead to Nancy Pelosi taking the Speakers Gavel, we have to show up to make that happen. As well as our friends and family, neighbors, and friends of neighbors.

The work to make that happen begins NOW. Are you ready?

[longship]

1. To the extent people don't is the extent to which they have no complaints.

That's why I always show up. It gives me the right to complain.

[avebury]

18. I disagree. Why should people be expected to continually vote

for candidates who do not deserve to be voted into office? I have finally decided that my vote must be earned and not given away lightly. While some people are too lazy to bother to vote, others may use staying at home on election day as a protest against those on the ballot. Our state does not allow an option of None of the Above or the ability to write in a name. If you expect me to show up and vote so that I have the "right" to complain I guess that I can show up, draw a huge X on the ballot and let my ballot be thrown out. The election system in this country no longer works. Whether it be Washington or your State, elected politicians are more interested in their personal agendas then in doing what is good for the people or following the wishes of the people.

[SunSeeker]

2. K & R & ready!

[eridani]

3. Activists of all stripes will. Occasional voters will not.

I'll still doorbell and call, but off years still suck.

[BlueMTexpat]

4. Yes! eom

[RandiFan1290]

5. Ask the "moderates"

Even though Obama extended the Bush tax cuts for the rich, the "moderates" showed up to vote for the publicons in 2010.

[jeff47]

13. No, they stayed home. (nt)

[life long demo]

6. There's an election this November don't forget

We can't skip any election any more. This coming election is most likely for local and county offices and judges. I believe it's Nov. 5th. Even if you don't feel like it, you have to get out and vote and get your friends to vote also, at least the ones who will vote democratic.

[georgew]

7. i'll show up, but by and large democrats won't. sorry. it's sad, but true.

hardcore democrats - those who volunteer, know the issues, etc - will vote; unfortunately, those democrats are but a fraction compared to the bulk of the right who have absolutely nothing to do other than vote every single time.

[Left Coast2020]

20. Not so.

I've heard Joy Reid on MSNBC(and perhaps a few others) say that if the base has a reason/issue to get pumped up, excited and motoviated, results go our way--especially if women turn out. And I'm sure there are many things on the plate to encourage a turnout. How can someone NOT want action on a jobs bill--as one example?

[mgcgulfcoast]

8. i am confident of a big win

why would anyone vote republican?

[beerandjesus]

9. I'll show up.

God knows I have my issues with the Democrats, but I'll show up!

[JoePhilly]

10. The GOP hopes not.

[bigwillq]

11. I have voted in every election

I was eligible to vote in.
I will "show up" this Nov, and next Nov and the November's after that.

[jeff47]

12. Nope.

Various people will decide that the Democrats are not sufficiently pure on (insert issue here). So they'll just stay home to show 'em. When that leads to Republican victories, it will be proof of how right they were to stay home. Alternatively, they'll grudgingly vote but they won't bother encouraging anyone else to do so out of spite.

(Before someone complains, my point is you vote for the person you like the best in the primary. You hold your nose if necessary and vote "D" in the general. That's how the Tea Party dragged the Republicans to the right. It will work for us, if you bother to show up and vote even when it's for a scumbag like Feinstein.)

[great white snark]

17. No complaints from me jeff47, you speak the truth.

I agree completely..even the most useless conservadem is still better than any Republican. We need that representation in red areas and we need the numbers for a majority.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

14. We have no fucking choice! We have to show up. I don't want to hear no fucking excuses either...

Well, Obama didn't do this, and Obama didn't do that!

BULLSHITTT!!!!!!

Either we get out and vote or we don't. And if we don't, we deserve everything these asshole Republicans have in store for us, our families, and this country. Period!

[Xyzse]

15. I live in MD unless I move to upstate NY but

Of course I will.
I am registered and want to vote badly. Not that it would matter much being in a deeply Democratic area.

[JustAnotherGen]

16. First we have to show up

This year.

The only chance we've got at stopping Christie from even throwing his hat in the ring in 2016 is a massive GOTV effort in NJ in November.

If the Republicans think he has it in the bag (cross fingers) they stay home and Dems push Buono in reach of the exec position in Trenton.

[Aristus]

19. Hell yes, I'm voting!

If the repukes want to try to prevent me, they'll need Seal Team 6, an arsenal of high-powered weaponry, and the Budweiser Clydesdales to do it, and they'll still get their noses bloodied if they dare try.

Fuck 'em without lube. I'm fucking voting Democratic!