Today is voting day for the U.S. Presidency and many state ballots. We are all busy and disheartened about this election, but it is our duty as Americans to vote. It is easy to put up an excuse not to: the long lines, the candidates, the ballot initiatives, not knowing where to go, the weather, etc. So, while you contemplate how difficult getting your lazy backside out to a polling place, realize that astronaut Shane Kimbrough voted today, while orbiting the Earth.
How to vote from space?
Astronauts are provided with a standard Absentee Ballot Request form and must list their address as “low-Earth orbit”. Mission Control then sends them a digital version to the crew on voting day, who fill them out and send them back. Mission Control then transmits them directly to voting authorities. This process has been in place since 1997, because ALL Americans have the right to vote. Just because you are 249 miles above the surface, travelling at almost 5 miles-per-second, it is not an excuse to get out of voting.
So, let’s be real.
Not everyone in this world gets the opportunity to vote who their leaders are or what regional spending/legal measures will be enacted. In my home state of California, there are several ballots which are important, including numerous bond measures, legalization of marijuana, outlawing or expediting the death penalty, etc. No matter how much you hate this election cycle/circus, it is time we fulfill our duty as part of a representative republic. Vote for Mickey Mouse, one of the candidates, Vote-of-No-Confidence or even yourself (that blank field is open to everyone).
Just vote!
You are vocal about your opinions here on Steemit, why not give them as part of the governmental crafting process. Just vote!