An Informed Choice

I've never understood the idea that people should vote simply to vote.

There are individuals who are so ignorant of the candidates and the issues that the most patriotic thing they can do is not to vote. It would be a travesty for them to have any weight in the outcome. Even the otherwise well-informed voter may wisely take a pass on choosing between candidates for minor positions if little or nothing is known about either.

Each election, we are handed "I Voted" stickers after leaving the polls. There is an ethical obligation, however, that begins long before any ballot is cast and it involves study and reflection.