Thursday, November 06, 2008

A shout out to Minnesota

which had a 78% voter turnout during the 2008 election! It is nice to live in a state where the vast majority of citizens actually do participate in our democracy. Beat that, rest of the nation!

(Disclaimer: I do realize, as some ex-pat citizens (particularly one who is living in Germany) might feel compelled to point out, that some Western European countries routinely have a >80% voter turnout. I think Stephen Colbert would point out that the reason why is because you are all a bunch of socialists who don't realize the power of exercising your right not to vote.) ;)

6 comments:

Jill said...

Well, I think the US could improve voter participation if elections were held on Sundays, as here in Germany. I do realize that getting to the polls on a workday can be challenging!

. . . and if 78% of MN voters turned out, how is it that Bachmann got reelected? Bleah!

Grandpa John & GramMary said...

Jill,

Bachmann's district is pretty much gerrymandered into an arch of rich suburbs on the north side of the Twin Cities. It is not surprising she won.

Dad

Drew said...

I hate gerrymandering.

Holbie said...

ha ha, I love your last paragraph Beth!

Anonymous said...

What about the tax support for Arts and Natural Resources! MN rocks!

Nate

Grandpa John & GramMary said...

Nate,

Good point!

It is worthy to note that Minnesotans will tax themselves if their "leaders" can not find the courage to do what needs to be done.