Ten Steps To The Voting Booth

1. Discover what you hold important and prioritize your list. I'm serious. Make a list and shift the items around until they're in order. Revisit your list from time to time, and shift issues around as necessary. Evaluate each candidate as you would a new job, a new employer, a retirement plan or long term plan for your children.
2. Think genuinely for yourself. Gather information from a wide range of resources. Don't stop until you've weighed each side of an issue and evaluated it honestly.
3. Use information to bolster or augment your position, but be honest with yourself always.
4. Don't be a follower just because it's the cool thing to do. You lose the power of your individuality this way!
5. See through the BS, the sound bites and the media slant (in both directions).
6. Listen as much for what is NOT said as for what is.
7. Look for ulterior motives always. There usually is one.
8. Don't dole out the benefit of the doubt. If it isn't clear, chances are... it's muddy.
9. Ben Franklin once said, "He that lies down with dogs, shall rise up with fleas." I'm reasonably certain he wasn't referring to those of us who actually sleep with our dogs, so keep that in mind.
10. Vote your convictions, but keep in mind that conviction is defined as the state of being convinced or compelled; a strong persuasion or belief. Voting is not to be taken lightly. It's important... so don't let anyone else do your thinking for you!