Recently I was at a craft show checking out the work of a vendor, a DIY collective that claims to promote social justice through art. I was looking at the jewelry when I noticed a bumper sticker prominently displayed. It said:

“Don't Vote 2008.”

Apparently, this DIY collective believes it can make a bigger difference in the world by making beaded necklaces than by voting for the most powerful political office in the world.

That's just stupid.

I understand the rationale behind why some people prefer not to vote: The two-party system is flawed; you shouldn't vote for a candidate you don't truly believe in; the Electoral College doesn't properly reflect the will of the people; one measly vote doesn't matter.

Hey, I'm not a big fan of the two-party system or the Electoral College, either, and believe me, most of the current front-runners heading to the Iowa caucus are not the candidates I would have chosen myself.

But even if there's no one I strongly want to vote for, there sure as hell will be someone I want to vote against. Maybe the candidate I support will lose — but at least I will have tried, and that will go down in the record books.

You might think that by not voting you're expressing your dissatisfaction with the present system. Actually, it makes it look as if you just don't care. That isn't going to change the system. Instead, you're letting other people choose who's going to run the country. Is that better?

In 2000, George W. Bush received 537 more votes than Al Gore in Florida, thereby winning all of Florida's electoral votes and securing the presidency. That's a tiny margin. Whether you're a fan of Bush or not, it's impossible not to marvel at the difference a paltry 537 votes makes.

If you don't like either of the two main candidates, then vote for an independent or third-party candidate. Want more of them on the ballot? Start organizing on a grass-roots level to get a candidate of your choice nominated.

Or write in for Stephen Colbert — even that makes more of a statement than not showing up at the polls at all.

Jessica Belasco | 210SA