Today (hoy) is the day in the United States of America that is very important (muy importante) because the voting is being held in order to elect a new president in our country. In reality, this is also very important in Chile and in all the countries across the globe (en todo el mundo), because, as one person was quoted as saying, “When they are picking the leader of the most powerful country (el país más poderoso) in the world, we all take notice.” In this election, especially it seems that the sentiment is not only clear back from the US, but also here in Chile as well.
Recently among friends in Chile, I was posed the question (la pregunta) of whom will I vote for in the election – Obama or McCain? While this is a distinctly personal question, and one I avoid with great regularity among friends and family (amigos y familia), in some ways in a foreign country, I felt obliged to confront the issue (el asunto) and at times, even offer my thoughts and opinions. It is interesting because in Chile the vote is obligatory and if you don’t vote, you have to pay a fine (una multa), so participation is great and people are motivated and required to participate.
I have voted in 8 presidential elections and have picked the victor (el ganador) in less than half of them. Either way you go in this election, you have to vote (votar). Voting is a right in the US that is not obligatory, but should be in a personal sense. It is a great right to be able to vote, to be able to participate (participar) in the selection of our leaders, and was something so important that our forefathers fought for and instilled this as a privilege for generations to follow (seguir).
But in the US, the apathy (apatía) at the voting polls is only surpassed by the complaining heard after the results (los resultados) are posted from an election. I contend that if you don’t vote, you really have no right (el derecho) to complain, and if you do vote, well then you can. I also think that no matter the outcome (la resulta), especially in an election for the President of the United States, it is important for all sides and for all people to support the new leader. I am sure his will be tested in this election, not only at home (en nuestra país), but around the world as well.
Many people have also asked what the voting process is for a person living abroad during an election (durante una elección). The process is quite simple, but you do have to take the time to follow the directions and the time table (la tabla de tiempo). You have to register (registrar) with the US government and then they put you in direct contact with the correct form with you local voting precinct (distrito electoral), which in turn, sends you a paper ballot for you to fill out (para llenar) and return by mail (correo). We filled out our presidential and local voting ballots (las votaciones) in early October, soon after receiving them, and sent them off almost a month ago, with the hope (la esperanza) today that they are already there, waiting to be counted and added to the state and national totals.
Although the outcome of the election will be certain by the time this entry is posted, I am confident that change (este cambio) is coming to the US. And, amidst a time of war (una guerra) in the Middle East, a global economic crisis and continual social unrest both at home and abroad, the new leader (el líder nuevo) will get more than he probably bargained for in the campaign.
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