Rock The Vote?

Most Americans are familiar with the common catch phrase "Rock The Vote". Yet as Americans are we really Rocking The Vote? Are we making the most sound decision we believe in when we cast our vote? Voting is that very act in which an individual expresses their support or preference for a certain motion, act or choosing a candidate. It is absolutely essential in making a democracy work most efficiently. In recent years only 70 to 75 percent choose to register to vote. Even worse in the 2004 presidential election voter turnout was only a mere 56 percent. Why is it that we can make the effort to head to a convenience store for a soda refill but can't seem to make it when placing someone to make decisions representing us? Somewhat recently in individuals in Iraq had their first free election in years. Many traveled miles risking their own lives to make their voice known. Without voting citizens lose much of their ability to best represent their voice on the different political opinions and issues. How can we as Americans expect the best when we haven't even researched or delved into the different arenas that each candidate supports? Often a candidate will say one thing but do something entirely different once they are elected. So when was the last time we actually searched those candidates voting history and saw where they truly stood on certain issues (immigration, gun rights, abortion, etc)? Many voters usually see one or two things they like and call it good. Uneducated individuals can be highly susceptible to jumping on an influencial bandwagon based on biased media, headlines, tabloids, attack pamphlets/smear ads, etc. Often an uneducated vote can be more harmful than no vote at all. Before we stand and be counted lets take some time to reflect, ponder, and study out the different issues and candidates. Only by doing so can we reach the best possible conclusion in showing America (and the community we live in) who really rocks!