Voting Etiquette

There are precious few days left before November 4th, and as such, The Professional would like to take this opportunity to remind her readers that there is indeed "Voting Etiquette" by which you must adhere to in order to preserve your fresh.

You see, in today's society of brash, abrasive personalities and in-your-face media, its easy to forget that voting--while a right that we own--is also something very personal. Many of us are proud to be advocates and activists for causes that we believe in. During campaign season, we proselytize our beliefs to anyone who will listen, and to many who don't want to--and we do this because we are concrete in our convictions. Free speech is our Constitutional right. However, what you must take into consideration, is your fellow American's right to free speech as demonstrated in their right to vote. Similar to one's right to be of the religion they choose, we must respect the boundaries that lie in that inherent decision.

Plainly stated: You cannot ask people how, or for whom they voted. Doing so is tacky, rude, and of general terribly poor taste.

Get this through your head, own it, and respect it. While you should definitely encourage everyone of legal age to vote...while you should energize young people to get involved...while you should absolutely pay attention to the issues and make the decisions that best speak to you... You can not-not-NOT be so intrusive as to quiz another grown-ass adult on their voting choices. You just cannot.

Now hear this: If said grown-ass adult freely publicizes their votes--that's another story. Go ahead and indulge in your debate with that person. However, you cannot sneak-attack someone into a political conversation without invitation.

In closing, The Professional doesn't publish this reminder because she's a militant left-winger. If you followed her on Twitter, or if you paid attention to her stats you'd know this. This gentle reminder is in an effort to make sure that all her people are as fabulous and fly as possible at all times. This means knowing your etiquette in all situations, and not being swayed away from your fresh on account of your excitement over the possibility of a Black president (the famous quote: "I'm sorry Charlie Murphy...I was havin' too much fun!" seems appropriate therein) . Obama minds his P's & Q's and so should you.

Take it to the polling place, or better yet, be fabulous like The Professional and VOTE EARLY.

:-)