This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Blog | 48 Days to Election... Are You Registered to Vote?

Your voice matters. Can you get someone to register to vote? Take the challenge.

Two weeks ago I was a delegate at the Democratic National Convention. I'm a women, wife, mom, daughter, sister, part time college counselor at SMC, and a bit overwhelmed by the whole political process.  

I teach my daughters to come up with ideas on how to improve something that they aren't happy with. It was with that in mind that I looked into running as a delegate for the DNC.

I was tired of the rehashing of issues instead of moving forward.  

Find out what's happening in Santa Monicawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

I have been a supporter of President Obama since his first election and I am determined to push for him to have a second term to complete the great work he is doing. We have a long way still to go to strengthen the economy, help education, and  improve our environment. Why the heck are we questioning (AGAIN) a woman's right to choose, who someone can marry and dismantling a healthcare reform act that is, at least, moving us forward and allowing more people to be proactive with their health (which will save money, and lives, in the long run). 

Having attended the DNC has given me strength in my voice. I have to admit, I was strong in my beliefs but politics had taken a back seat, in the car behind me as a matter of fact, so when a topic came up, I knew what I believed but I didn't have the confidence to speak up or facts to back it. I've realized that most of us not living in Washington DC (or "on the beltway," as they say) aren't really in to politics and just because someone has read an article and can talk louder than anyone else around, doesn't make them an expert, nor mean they have the correct facts.

Find out what's happening in Santa Monicawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

I don't believe that we need to tackle "politics" as a whole, but tackle the issues that are important to you and speak up. 

It is my hope to make you know that your voice matters and needs to be heard. There is a lot of noise out there. Let's please add noise that moves us forward.

Be aware and don't sit back. PLEASE be certain to register to vote and actually vote. It's easy and on-line. Go to egistertovote.org.  

CHALLENGE: I challenge you to get at least one person to register to vote this week. Let me know if you do. 

If we all do this for the next seven weeks, we will have an impact, I guarantee it!

Know the initiatives and the impact they will have on you. I plan to post updates just on those topics.

Check out my blog, fivestarrs.com, if you want to know more about my experience at the DNC. 

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?