Blogging Documents

Now, there is truly no excuse for not voting in next Tuesday’s mayoral election. La Semana, the Urban League, the League of Women Voters and other organizations are offering complimentary rides to the polls. From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. you can get curbside service to make your voice be heard by casting your vote.

For information or to arrange for transportation, please call:

• League of Women Voters (918) 747-7933
• Metropolitan Tulsa Urban League (918) 584-0001
• American Dream Coalition (918) 231-3340 or (918) 850-2048

Early voting for Tulsa County is Friday, October 31 (8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.), Saturday, November 1 (8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.) and Monday, November 3 (8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.) at the Tulsa County Election Board (500 N. Denver).

As always, it’s important to head to the polls informed, so here, once
more, is a list of sites to keep you informed:

• League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Tulsa Voter Guide (pdf) – includes information on Presidential, Federal & State Legislative, and judicial candidates, plus information on the 4 State questions
• Judges on the Ballot (Oklahoma Prosperity Project)
• Tulsa World article outlining Appellate Judges on the Nov 4 ballot
• Arguments For & Against the 4 State Questions (Oklahoma Prosperity Project)
• FactCheck.org – debunk the latest campaign rumors 

It’s an election year and the nominating conventions are finally underway (it’s been nearly 2 years since most presidential hopefuls announced their bids for the Whitehouse). The Democratic National Convention runs Monday, August 25 through Thursday, August 28, 2008. The Republican National Convention is hot on the DNC’s heels, beginning Monday, September 1 and ending Thursday, September 4, 2008.

It seems – at least for this librarian, political idealist, and registered voter – that regardless of party affiliation there is something stirring and inspiring about the nominating conventions. The throngs of people gathered to rally behind and support their party’s hope for the future of the Nation… the hats… the states… the delegates… the cheers… the buttons… the speeches. It does seem a moment where people, average and not-so-average, play a roll in catapulting their candidate toward the Presidency. It is all truly inspiring, I’m a bit weepy just from typing about it.

A bit of history: Nominating conventions started in the early 19th century with members of Congress caucusing within their parties to choose a candidate. The nominating convention and the primary system have evolved over time to accommodate an outgrowth of political parties and changing political climates. The library has an array of books and government documents about our voting system, how it’s evolved, and what influence us as voters. To locate available titles, merely click here. 

Not yet registered to vote? Here are some links that can help you get registered: Tulsa County Election Board, Oklahoma State Election Board, Oklahoma Voter Information on Project Vote Smart, or visit your nearest Tulsa City-County Library branch to pick up a voter registration form.

Election season is in full swing and Tulsans are asked to return to the polls on Tuesday, August 26 to once again cast a vote for candidates that will run in November’s general election.

Tulsans still need to decide which Republican will run for State Senate District 35, Cason Carter or Gary Stanislawski. State House District 72 will also decide their Democratic candidate on Tuesday, Christie Breedlove or Seneca Scott.

If you’re unsure which Senate or House district you live in, the Oklahoma State Legislature makes it easy to find out. Visit the Legislator Finder on the State Legislature website. All you need to know is your address.

The 2008 election year rolls on and with it comes more opportunities to exercise your right to vote. To assist you in being a more informed voters, here is some information that help along the campaign trail.

Know when to vote. Click here to know where to vote.
Election Schedule with the voter registration deadline date to vote in that particular election.

Know who & what’s on the ballot.

• List of Candidates for State elected offices(pdf) (State Election Board)
• List of Candidates for County Elected Offices(pdf) (Tulsa County Election Board)

To further assist spurring your democratic spirit, here are some election related quotations.

“I never vote for anyone. I always vote against.” -W.C. Fields

“Vote for the man who promises the least; he’ll be the least disappointing.” -Bernard Baruch

It doesn’t matter who you vote for, the government always gets in. -Grafitti (1970s)

Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves—and the only way they could do this is by not voting. -Franklin D. Roosevelt

The average man votes below himself; he votes with half a mind or a hundredth part of one. A man ought to vote with the whole of himself, as he worships or gets married. A man ought to vote with his head and heart, his soul and stomach, his eye for faces and his ear for music; also (when sufficiently provoked) with his hands and feet. If he has ever seen a fine sunset, the crimson colour of it should creep into his vote…. The question is not so much whether only a minority of the electorate votes. The point is that only a minority of the voter votes. -Gilbert K. Chesterson