Don’t be a dumbass.

Heads up! On Election Day, we will be voting for other offices besides President. Do you know who’s running? Get a sample of the ballot you’ll be working with on November 4 and research the candidates and issues that you’ll be looking at. Don’t just vote down party lines, and please, for the love, don’t just vote for the person with the nicest name because that’s all you know of them. (If that IS your preferred method, do the rest of us a favor: sterilize yourself.)

I have my towns sample ballot, and I’m researching the candidates now, writing down my choices, and bringing a cheat sheet into the booth with me. Local politics are important, too, and, given the shady shenanigans of the past couple of elections, it may be the strongest voice you have.

Some states will have also have some special questions on them (like voting on Proposition 8 in California). Make sure you understand what the questions are and how you feel about them before you get to the polling place. Don’t just stand there behind the curtains scratching your head about what they mean. You might be voting for something you don’t actually believe in.

DON’T BE A DUMBASS!