This article will address answers to the above questions and also the ;processs to decibe whom to vote for.
In answer to the first above question, yes you need to vote. It is your God given freedom to vote for leadership in this country. It is not a freedom to be taken for granted or neglected because it is a freedom many around our world do not enjoy. After the fiasco of 2000 between George W. Bush and Al Gore, the necessity to vote is boldly imprinted upon our memories.
Now to address whom to vote for. No, I will not name names but i will show a process to use for deciding. Your first step will be to decide which political party philosophy best fits your own beliefs and basic values. Three words will be emphasized in this process, research, research, research. Finding the position of either party will require a wade throught partisan bickering on both sides. The issues at stake are positions on the economy, military spending, and social and human issues. These will best represent the views of each party. Now you can make an informed choice of your party. You will then want to register according to the party you agree with.
Once your party is decided, the question is who in the party would you like to support. Again research the candidates completely. This includes whom he (she) is; family and background. Look at this person’s history as a leader, political decisions made, business experience, and what others within their party say about them.
I believe the largest issue is electability. Can this person be elected? While a candidate may possess everything you believe he (she) should have, the majority of your party may not agree with you. You may have to look at what you could tolerate in someone who is more electable.
Party is always greater than the candidate with the exception of a few blunders. The party that you agree with will normally have candidates that best support your values. If the final candidate does something unethical or has a serious failure of judgment, one could consider voting with the other party. That would be very rare.
Finally, vote your conscience but vote informed. It may seriously affect your future. Be active in your local caucus and listen to the issues. Vote in the primary election. Vote in the general election.