Nine Steps for Getting to the Voting Booth

Overcoming the onslaught of last minute desperate attempts to get our attention in this election is something of a challenge.

Likely, there is counsel which may help us sort the wheat from the chaff. I rely on these basic premises:

+Be aware in these waning days of the election, particularly for those who are lagging behind, the tone will pick up more volume and less reason.

+It is too late to reply or discredit much of what gets thrown against the wall and the other candidate at this late hour.

+If you are still undecided, then like those experiences when facing a final exam, it really is time to start closing the books and focusing on the test question: Who do I trust to be my President?

+Beware of last minute pressure, recorded calls (robocalls), emails espousing the need for you to stand up for one or another favorite but inflammatory causes. There is much more at stake than just being sure one or another social issue is met by your candidate.

+In order to assist your decision making, maybe you need to volunteer to help "get out the vote." You don't have to take sides, just assist in encouraging folk to vote on or before November 4. What you do, do quickly. The window is closing.

+Avoid emotional tirades with anyone. If they bait you, don't take the bait. This is a moment to impose reason and sanity. We have enough of the other already rearing its ugly head.

+Follow the polling data, not as means for making a decision, but an indicator of how the country is leaning. You may decide to go against that. I have lost more votes in my life for having been on the "other side" than I have won. It's humbling, but it guarantees that you were trying to be a thoughtful voter.

+Personally, I oppose yard signs and bumper stickers, much as I do folk who wear, but don't take seriously, religious symbols. If you need to do it, that's up to you. I prefer maintaining a sense of balance and isolation from being branded by such.

+Finally, on November 4, prepare yourself to learn something more about this democratic institution. Be prepared to hold your local officials accountable. Don't assume that the "good guy" will win just because you are for him. If there is chicanery afoot, be ready to challenge it. Celebrate the outcome, assuming it is authentic. If it isn't then once again, as in 2000, we are all in trouble.