Hi Jason,

>1. Just as new system users are trained in corporate America, new voters should have training opportunities prior to election day. In other words, "Get out the vote" drives should turn into "Make your vote count" drives.

In Florida, the ballots and directions are published in the newspaper weeks before the election. As well, sample ballots are sent to each registered voter along with instructions and requirements. There is also contact information should you have questions. I don't know how much more proactive the local Elections folks can get. On that note, our local Supervisor of Elections, Ion Sancho, did an outstanding job. Not that he'll ever see the praise here :-)


>2. Personal responsibility! I am extremely liberal in that I believe personal freedoms are sacred above all, but responsibility is the key. The willingness to admit a lack of voting knowledge and seeking instruction is taking responsibility for one's vote and paramount. Not doing so and then later whining, crying, tearing hair, beating chests, blaming others, suing, and otherwise acting like a child throwing a tantrum merely feeds into the national epidemic of co-dependency.

For clarity, you are not an extreme liberal with that position. You are a classical liberal or libertarian. IMHO, something to be proud of.