Vote!

Perhaps I should write "Vote for Obama," but I doubt I have any Romney supporters reading my blog. For as long as I can remember, even before I was eligible to vote, I've thought the Electoral College picking the president as antiquated and prejudicial to the majority of Americans.  When Bush was handed the presidency by the right-leaning Supreme Court despite Gore winning the popular vote my views were confirmed. So I suppose it's self serving that this year I'm glad we have the Electoral College as there's a distinct possibility that Obama will get a majority of Electoral College votes but lose  the popular vote. Although the states hardest hit by Sandy are reliably "Blue," New York and New Jersey are sure to have a lower voter turnout this year. With all the best intentions it will be very difficult for many in those states to vote and that is certain to lower the total vote count for Obama.

But whatever happens this year it's time for the United States to reconsider its election policies.  My suggestions:

• Define a period for campaigning (a few months at most) so that we are not subjected to a year-long campaign (and in some cases years-long campaigning)
• Get rid of "Citizens Union" and return to more restrictive campaign finance laws
• Legislate as they do in other countries (Uruguay is one example) that all citizens must vote.  (Fat chance this will happen while Republicans are in power since their aim is to prevent voting, not increase it.)
• Vote on Sunday, not Tuesday.  Does anyone out there know how Tuesday was designated as election day? Or why?  Even better, permit early voting in all states for two weeks before a designated cut-off date.
• At a minimum stop all campaigning and polling one week before the cut-off date.  
• And most important, have the president chosen by popular vote.

And now I'm off to vote!