My Vote Counted

As many of you know (or may not know) I am an independent voter (as anyone with a mind of their own should be). I vote based on the man or woman, their deeds and words, not some blind allegiance to a party doctrine.

I often lament the fact that it feels like my vote rarely counts, particularly in the Presidential election system. However in local politics I can see the potential for more direct results coming from my vote. And yet, I haven't really seemed to make a difference with my vote even in this smaller arena.

However, in Tuesday's election I was dead set on getting George Allen out of office and I voted to that end. Allen being the much-loved former Governor and Senator in Virginia seemed like a shoe-in for victory.

And yet he lost. By the narrow margin of 9000 votes. A mere 9000 out of the millions of people who voted in Virginia on Tuesday.

I like to think that my vote was one of those 9000 that actually counted. I have to admit, I am filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment. I am proud that I took part in the Democratic process and I am proud that my vote made a difference (finally!).

Of course, the Virginia race will be looked back upon as the one that tilted the Senate into Democratic control. While I did not vote the way I did specifically towards that goal - it does make my vote feel even more significant in that it may have changed the course of our nation (for better or worse we shall see).

Originally posted on November 9, 2006 on Myspace.

I'm almost embarrassed by my optimism. Looking back on this post now all I can think is...ugh...of course the Dems eventually botched it.