Its Time to Make a Change:Vote by Mail This Year

As we get closer to nominating the next leader of the free world on November 4, who will be chauffeured in this armor-plated, camouflaged presidential limousine - Obama or McCain? Consider casting your vote by mail this year. Voting by mail is a simple three-step process, which includes securing an absentee application on-line or by phone; completing and returning the absentee application by mail, fax or in-person; and completing and returning the actual voting ballot in-person or by mail. (Actual voting ballots can not be returned by fax.)

Its been predicted by a number of political analysts voter participation at the polls this year will double in comparison to past presidential elections. To avoid the excessive long lines expected at the polls due to the momentum for change this year - consider ordering an absentee ballot now at 1-866-MY-VOTE-1 (1-866-698-6831). Upon contacting the toll free hotline, follow the appropriate prompts and select option 2 (registering a problem or concern about voting). As opposed to leaving a complaint, select O (operator) during the appropriate prompt and you will be forwarded to your local voting office. Ask for an absentee ballot once you receive your local voting office. Qualifying for the absentee ballot is relatively easy. You don't need to be out-of-town to use the process. Basically, if you're a registered voter, you're eligible to use this voting process - no reason is really required. More importantly, unlike a number of states, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Ohio and South Dakota requires their voters to have the appropriate state-approved picture identification - if they choose to vote in-person. In order to circumvent the state-approved photo identification needed to vote in-person, voters in the aforementioned states are urged to use the absentee voting process.

And, if you elect to order your voting application ballot on-line, click here. All absentee voting applications should be returned in a timely manner to your local voting office by fax, mail or in-person, ensuring your actual ballot will be mailed out to you. Make sure all fax numbers and addresses are verified with the voting election office - before returning any applications. Foremost, returning your completed ballot as soon as possible guarantees that your vote counts - avoiding the long lines, unforeseen weather conditions, computer malfunctions and the possibility of being denied from not carrying the appropriate state-approved photo identification to vote in-person at the polls. If you decide to vote by mail, click here to determine each state's deadline. By voting now, this will get your preferred candidate a four-year ride - possibly eight years - in the Caddy pictured in this blog. Cast your vote now - its time for a change!